Call for Fiji's Viti Levu to be declared disaster zone

There is a call in Fiji for Viti Levu to be declared a disaster zone after a category one cyclone caused severe flooding over the weekend.

Over 1,000 people are still in evacuation centres as a result of Cyclone Josie and schools are closed in worst hit areas, with power and water still being restored in some areas.

The clean up and aid distribution is ongoing and most roads have reopened.

The Fiji National Federation Party leader Biman Prasad said initial assessments by his team showed the level of flood damage was a lot worse than that of previous floods. 

Lautoka, Nadi, Rakiraki and Ba in Fiji's Western division are worst affected, and he estimates millions of dollars in damage to homes, agricultural crops, businesses and other infrastructure. 

In order for aid and relief to help people get back on their feet Professor Prasad told Sara Vui-Talitu that the government needs to act quickly consider rehabilitation packages.