The island nation of Fiji announced a state of emergency because of the flood

On April 1, the island nation of Fiji announced a state of emergency and warned visitors in the context of heavy rain and strong winds to continue attacking this small country in the South Pacific.

Fiji officials said they could not guarantee tourists' safety when flooding was at an alarming rate, taking away at least two people and forcing more than 5,000 people to leave their homes.

Flooding in Fiji

With the harsh weather forecast to last until April 2, airlines are required not to transport more tourists to Fiji until at least April 1.

Fiji Tourism Minister Sayed-Khaiyum said this was a reluctant decision by the government to ensure safety for foreign tourists and Fiji citizens seeking to return to the country. It is also an unprecedented move in Fiji, the island nation which relies heavily on tourism.

Fiji's national airline Air Pacific said it had canceled all flights from here on April 1 and operated only some flights leaving Fiji for passengers who had arrived at Nadi International Airport.

Many foreign tourists were stuck to the airport because the roads were damaged by floods.