Australia has pledged a total of A$3 million ($NZ5.69 million) to assist flood-ravaged Fiji with humanitarian assistance and reconstruction and recovery funding.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith told reporters in Perth on Friday that the A$3 million included A$150,000 given to the Fiji Red Cross on Tuesday. A further A$850,000 would be given to Fiji to boost aid programs and supply food, water, sanitation and transport.
An extra A$2 million would be made available for a recovery and reconstruction programs and a judgment would be made as to whether further funds were required.
Mr Smith said while the Australian government had difficulty accepting the interim government of Fiji and wanted to see the country return to democracy, it did not stand in the way of Australia giving assistance.
Fiji's Foreign Affairs Secretary Ratu Isoa Gavidi told Radio New Zealand today that 20 countries had been asked to help, with water holding tanks and purification tablets at the top of the list in aid requirements.
Mr Smith said the flood warning had been rescinded but flash flooding was a risk at this time of year.
