Relief teams in New Caledonia have managed to restore most of the water and power supply systems in flood-affected areas of the east coast.
Houailou area in New Caledonia worst hit by deluge Photo: AFP
The area was hit by torrential rain which triggered unprecedented landslides, killing at least five people in small Kanak settlements near Houailou.
Three people are still missing in the disaster area where millions of tonnes of rocks and mud were washed off a mountain side weakened by mining and bushfires.
There is little hope of finding survivors.
The French government has promised to release emergency assistance.
The territory's president Philippe Germain described it as a catastrophe not seen since the 19th century.
Torrential rain caused widespread destruction on the main island's east coast Photo: AFP