New Zealand is on standby to help victims of Cyclone Tomas in Fiji, where more than 18,000 are believed to be sheltering in evacuation centres.
Foreign Minister Murray McCully said tonight a New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules was on standby to head to Fiji as soon as weather conditions eased in the wake of Cyclone Tomas.
"Fiji authorities have declared a state of disaster and requested international assistance," Mr McCully said.
"New Zealand is working closely with our partners under Franz - the joint France, Australia and New Zealand disaster relief arrangement - on how to best respond to the situation in Fiji."
Mr McCully said the Hercules was able to carry emergency supplies to Fiji, and also assist with aerial reconnaissance of outer islands that were in the path of Cyclone Tomas.
"Cyclone Tomas has forced more than 18,000 Fijians into evacuation centres, and local accounts put the cyclone as one of the worst to hit Fiji in 20 years," he said.
National Disaster Centre spokesman Anthony Blake said power, water, sewage and other services were disrupted in many northern areas, with all airstrips and airports closed and storm surges smashing into coastal villages and schools.
More than 18,000 people were in 240 government shelters, he said.
Initial damage assessments will likely be made tomorrow, when airplanes are expected to survey the northern islands and Vanua Levu where communication has been destroyed.