A state of emergency remains in place in Fiji despite a lifting of the embargo on airlines bringing in tourists.
But visitors who press ahead with their plans are being told they could well face major disruptions with the severe weather causing chaos – with more storm and a possible tropical cyclone on the way.
Thousands of local were evacuated in the wake of torrential rain and flooding with a tropical cyclone warning in place at 3pm Fiji time, with a gale warning for western Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, southern Lau, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
A statement issued by Tourism Fiji said: “International visitors to Fiji must be aware that while every effort is being made to minimise inconvenience….services and transportation within Fiji are not as yet at their optimum levels.
“The damaged roads that had blocked Nadi off from other areas of the country are now passable and passengers need to be aware that they need to check directly with their hotels to ensure accommodation availability.”
The road linking Nadi Airport and Denarau is open but is “subject to high tides and flooding”.
Meanwhile, inter-island cruise and ferry services to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are operating on a limited basis to Nadi Airport.
Accor has put its emergency cancellation policy into action which allows anyone to cancel before 6pm on their anticipated day of travel.
Air Pacific said it will make “all attempts possible” to get passengers on flights to Fiji although cancellation policies are in place.
With a slightly improved weather forecast, lifting of the flight embargo and re-opening of roads, Accor was “quite confident about accommodating our future bookings”, a spokesman said.
The weather system is expected to “apex at approximately midnight Monday”.
