Relief operations began in Fiji on Wednesday, as the Red Cross delivered aid supplies to cyclone-ravaged parts of the country.

A New Zealand air force plane carrying aid arrived in Suva and is expected to help Fijian authorities in an aerial damage survey of remote areas. Authorities estimated that there could be up to 150,000 people affected by Cyclone Tomas.

"Our emergency response teams will be carrying with them some clothing, blankets, tarpaulins, water containers, and it'll be destined for Cikobia."

Aid supplies were loaded onto navy vessels which will carry them to northern and eastern islands.

Cyclone Tomas has weakened and moved further away from inhabited islands.