Tropical storms which bombarded the island nation of Fiji over the last week have caused massive flooding on the main island of Viti Levu, and shut many roads leading to the main airport.

Fiji has declared a state of emergency as eight people have died, and thousands have been left stranded as several main access roads were submerged under floodwaters.

Flood waters are expected to recede today, with the island’s coral costal and outer islands already more accessible.

While some resorts have been cut off, nearly all the resorts remain open, with most allowing guests to postpone or cancel their holidays, but the Tourism Fiji recommends that travellers check with individual properties before taking action.

“Many hoteliers and resort operators were now advising it is a case of ‘business as usual’ on Denerau Island, on the Coral Coast and in the Mamanuca Islands,” said the Tourism Fiji in a statement.

“Weather-wise... warnings [remain] in place for several more days for points north of Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu.”

Air Pacific will operate as per normal, but passengers should expect delays, while domestic services operated by Pacific Sun will be suspended except for services between Nadi and Labasa.

Resorts not damaged too badly

Already damage reports are coming in from individual resorts, Vince Costello, Beachcomber Island Resort Fiji Manager, said, “Port Denarau is cut off again today.  Anchorage is open and we have been transferring by road from Nadi to Anchorage for [some] day trippers and check ins.”

“No majors [damages] on site here.  Massage bure damaged but still there.  Lost some beach and almost the entire first line of foliage on the beach due to tidal surges. 

“We had a foot of water in the bar on Saturday afternoon which has subsided,” he adds.

Sonaisali Island Resort reports that it today saw the opening of the back road to the airport, and says that it is “fully operational [and] fully manned” though it does have a backlog of guests who haven’t been able to get off the island.

“Sonaisali has not suffered any major damage during the storm, only experiencing surface flooding which has now subsided,” said Karyn Blenkiron, Sonaisali Sales & Marketing Manager.