Fiji's death toll from tropical cyclone Winston has risen to ten, with concerns that number could rise when communication is restored to outlying islands.
The most powerful storm in the country's recorded history barreled into the Fiji mainland and neighbouring smaller islands late on Saturday destroying entire villages, flooding low-lying areas, and wiping out crops.
A New Zealand Defence Force Orion has been helping with aerial surveillance of the outer islands of Koro, Lau, Taveuni and Rabi.
The Fiji government said the devastation of the damage to homes and other infrastructure was enormous and a relief team comprising military personnel, health, and rehabilitation experts was on standby to provide relief support.
FBC News reports more than 4000 people remain in 68 evacuation centres.
Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has called on all government agencies to prioritise the deployment of their staff to these communities to provide relief support and assistance.
He has advised all agencies in charge of relief efforts to ensure that all possible options are looked at to ensure that an immediate response is provided.
The New Zealand government yesterday made $50,000 of emergency funds and $170,000 of relief supplies available.
Oxfam's Raijeli Nicole told Morning Report they haven't been able to ascertain the scale of destruction in Suva because of the curfew that remains in place, but assessments will be taking place today.
She said it was possible whole villages had been destroyed and hoped to have more information about the situation following a meeting taking place later this morning in Suva.
The biggest priorities in Fiji were around food, shelter, water and sanitation, Miss Nicole said.
"Of course it's around getting people back on their feet."
The Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya said there were no reports of any significant structural damage to the majority of hotels in the main island of Viti Levu, except for some properties in the Rakiraki area.
"We understand that friends and families are very concerned, however, we request everyone to remain calm. Cyclone Winston has caused extensive damage to the communications infrastructure, hence, mobile and Internet communications in some parts of Fiji maybe affected. However, communication is active in Suva, Nadi, Denarau and along the Coral Coast."
Mr Koya said tourists in the country were safe and comfortable.
Air New Zealand has resumed flights to and from Fiji.
A spokesman for the airline confirmed the two flights, one from Auckland to Nadi at 9.30am, and another from Nadi to Auckland at 1pm, would go ahead as scheduled.
The spokesman said bigger planes would be used for the flights to increase capacity in and out of Fiji.
Flights are expected to continue as scheduled for the rest of the week.