Foreign Minister Bob Carr says Australia is about to send emergency supplies to help the people of Fiji.
The supplies include 350,000 water purification tablets, water containers and thousands of tarpaulins.
Senator Carr says such supplies are badly needed.
"The most basic assistance is to see that people can drink the water - notwithstanding the terrible pollution from the floods - and that they can deliver the water," he told the ABC.
"That means the water containers are going to be essential. And that they can haul those tarpaulins over damaged roofs - that's the most basic assistance, drinking water and shelter."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Meanwhile, a large scale clean-up operation has begun in Fiji after historic floods caused severe damage in many towns.
Floodwater levels have receded and some Fijians are returning home to review the damage, but many remain in evacuation centres across the main island of Viti Levu.
Tropical Cyclone Daphne is heading away from Fiji, with the interim government announcing schools will reopen today.
The floods that have claimed the lives of five people, have sparked health concerns over the potential outbreak of water-borne diseases.
