New Zealand has contributed $20,000 to the Fijian emergency relief appeal launched in Suva yesterday.
The initial contribution will pay for medical supplies and water purification equipment needed on islands such as Vanua Levu, which was badly damaged by Cyclone Ami on Monday night.
The northern and eastern islands of Fiji were worst-hit by winds of up to 200km/h.
Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff said: "Cyclone Ami and subsequent flooding has affected fresh water supplies and destroyed villages and crops on parts of Vanua Levu, the Lau Group and other outer islands.
"Immediate provision of emergency food, medical and water purification supplies are urgently needed."
Britain and France had said they would join New Zealand and Australian in providing emergency assistance, Mr Goff said.
New Zealand would consider further requests for assistance "positively".
Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon called for member countries to help Fiji.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and damage to property that has occurred on Vanua Levu and the surrounding islands," he said.
The cyclone, the second in the region within four weeks, would have "terrible consequences".
"It will be important that the international community respond quickly and positively to any request for emergency assistance from the Government of Fiji once the full extent of the damage has been evaluated," said Mr McKinnon.
He wrote to Fiji Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase expressing concern about the damage.
At least 10 people died during the cyclone, which destroyed up to 50 per cent of crops in some areas.
The Fijian Cabinet met yesterday after video footage and photographs taken during a New Zealand Air Force flight over the islands had been analysed.
The Fiji Disaster Management Centre put together recommendations based on the footage from Wednesday's reconnaissance flight.
The flight supplied crucial information as communications were down in several islands.
New Zealand's High Commissioner to Fiji, Adrian Simcock, told National Radio that four Fijian Navy patrol boats were distributing emergency relief supplies and medical help to the worst-hit areas.
- NZPA
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NZ chips in $20,000 for Ami
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