Fiji is counting the cost of a cyclone that has devastated the Pacific island nation and which has been described as the strongest storm ever to hit the southern hemisphere.

Fiji has sent mixed messages on whether its 45 United Nations peacekeepers that are being held captive by Syrian insurgents will be freed soon.

Fearing that climate change could wipe out their entire Pacific archipelago, the leaders of Kiribati are considering an unusual backup plan: moving the populace to Fiji.

Fiji's military-backed interim Government says it remains in control of the country and denies reports it had resigned.