Our response to Cyclone Yasa in Fiji
Donate nowOxfam’s Cyclone Yasa response snapshot:
- Cyclone Yasa made landfall in the early hours of Friday 18 December causing widespread damage to homes, landslides and flooding. We are working with local partners and coordinating with the Fijian government to assess the extent of the damage.
- The worst of the storm has moved away from the main Fiji islands; Suva is no longer in the immediate path of the storm.
- Our localisation approach means we have invested in partners on the ground who have a history of humanitarian response in these communities.
How you can help Oxfam’s response in Fiji:
By donating to our International Crisis Fund, you allow us to respond rapidly to emergencies around the globe. As soon as a disaster strikes, we’ve got the funds at hand to move quickly – and save lives. Please donate today to support our vital, life-saving work.Updates on Oxfam’s response to the Cyclone Yasa emergency
19 DEC 2020
Cyclone Yasa exits Fiji territorial waters
Tropical Cyclone Yasa has exited Fiji territorial waters and is tracking south-south east. Initial estimates indicate that the impact of Tropical Cyclone Yasa was more localised than initially expected. An estimated 93,000 Fijians are believed to have been affected by the storm, roughly 10% of the population. Tragically, two fatalities have so far been reported. Assessment teams are currently en route to affected regions, and initial reporting out of affected communities indicate that shelter will be a priority for the response, with many homes damaged or destroyed. Major health centres are reported to be up and running. We are positioned to respond with a focus on water, sanitation and hygiene interventions to prevent disease outbreaks due to flooding, contaminated water supplies and damage sanitation. Infrastructure will also be a priority concern.18 DEC 2020
Cyclone Yasa makes landfall
The worst of the storm has passed off the south-eastern coast of Vanua Levu, moving away from the main Fiji islands. Suva is no longer in the immediate path of the storm. Strong winds and heavy rains will continue through the night however, with smaller eastern outer island groups still in Yasa’s immediate path. Close to its centre the cyclone is still a major hazard with average winds up to 240 km/hr and momentary gusts to 345 km/hr. The cyclone is moving southeast at about 18 km/hr. Initial media reports indicate “a scene of devastation is slowly starting to emerge, even if it is not as expansive as may have been earlier feared (RNZ).” A state of emergency has been declared. The storm did move faster than predicted, leaving less time to cause as much damage as was initially feared. However, an estimated 600,000 of Fiji’s population lays in the path of Cyclone Yasa and communities are reporting widespread damage to homes, landslides blocking roads, coastal and surface flooding in low-lying areas, and damaged crops and fruit trees. We are contacting partners to refresh contingency plans and response preparedness. Project teams engaged with partners as part of the ongoing AHP COVID programming are also involved in planning. We will assess the extent of any damage and prepare to respond with a focus on water, sanitation and hygiene, food security, cash and protection.17 Dec 2020