A state of emergency was declared in the Western Division of Fiji on Sunday after two people were killed and tourists were trapped in the region due to severe flooding.
Fiji's Interim Minister for Defense, National Security and Immigration Ratu Epeli Ganilau said the move was "basically to safeguard lives and property and prevent criminal elements from taking advantage of the flood," according to the Fijilive website.
Labasa Town in the Northern Division and Nausori Town in the Eastern Division were bracing for severe flooding as a result of the tropical depression, reported Xinhua .
Many places in the Western Division were under water after a storm dumped 400 millimeters of rain in 12 hours, the Fijilive website said.
Rivers burst their banks, flooding 40 villages and leaving many homeless.
Tourists on the resort of Denarau Island were trapped, after the only road to the airport was inundated.
Nadi, Ba and Rakiraki are the towns badly hit. Police have imposed curfew in the flood-ravaged towns of Nadi, Ba and Sigatoka -- from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. to curb looting, robberies and ensure public safety.
Roads were closed in Nadi and Lautoka and travel restrictions are in force around Suva in an effort to prevent people getting into trouble.
The flooding is expected to continue well into the coming week.
Fiji's National Disaster Management Center (DISMAC) has set up more than 30 evacuation centers - mainly in the Western Division - as heavy rain and floods close roads.