The Australian Government is continuing to monitor the situation in Fiji and provide assistance and information to Australians stranded by flooding, Foreign Minister Bob Carr said today.

Senator Carr said several hundred travellers were able to return to Australia late yesterday on Jetstar, Virgin and Air Pacific services.

"Empty aircraft were landing in Nadi yesterday, as weather permitted, to transport passengers back to Australia and elsewhere.

"More services are expected to fly out today, weather permitting.

"Improved road access to Nadi airport has made it possible for many Australians to return home.

"Other Australians however, holidaying on resorts on outer islands, are still facing some difficulties in returning to the main island and to Nadi airport.

"Australian consular officials are continuing to monitor the situation of Australians holidaying in Fiji and will provide all the assistance they can to those stranded by the floods.

"Australians stranded in Fiji, and seeking consular assistance should call +61 2 6261 3305.

"For Australians with concerns about family and friends in Fiji, and unable to contact them directly they should call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1 300 555 135 or +61 2 6261 3305 (if you are outside Australia)," Senator Carr said.

In addition to providing assistance to Australians in Fiji, the Australian Government is coordinating its disaster assistance for Fiji with a range of partners including:

• Fiji's National Disaster Management Office
• Fiji Red Cross
• Act for Peace (Implementing Australia's community-based Disaster Risk Management program in Fiji)
• UN Office of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
• Bilateral partners - New Zealand, France, the United States and United Kingdom

Media enquiries

• Minister's office: (02) 6277 7500
• DFAT Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555