Reports from New Caledonia say 11 people are missing after heavy rain.
The worst affected area is the east coast of the main island where overnight rain has was washed away some houses.
The Kanak villages of Ouakaya and Gouareu have been hit by landslides.
Communications are difficult and roads are blocked in many places, with rescue services having trouble to be able to assist.
In some places 400 millimetres of rain fell in just 12 hours.
New Caledonia hit by heavy rain Photo: Meteo France