Suva/Kuala Lumpur, 18 December 2020 – Cyclone Yasa has slammed into Fiji, with initial reports showing extensive destruction across the island nation with
tens of thousands of people affected.
Packing wind gusts of up to 345 kilometres per hour, the Category 5 storm is one of the strongest to ever hit any
country in the Pacific.
Fiji Red Cross Society Director-General Ilisapeci Rokotunidau said:
“We are very concerned for the safety of thousands of people who have experienced the brunt of this monster storm.
Initial reports from volunteers are revealing destruction in Bua, a province on the island of Vanua Levu. The coastal
areas of many islands have been impacted by storm surges and flooding at the height of the storm.
“Our teams report that houses and community buildings have been destroyed and crops flattened. There are widespread
power outages in affected areas.
“Trained Red Cross volunteers who live in these same communities are responding to provide first aid and relief and
updating the National Office Emergency Centre on needs.”
Fiji Red Cross teams were mobilised as the storm formed, supporting evacuation efforts, securing buildings, and ensuring
pre-positioned relief supplies were ready for distribution.
Red Cross volunteers are currently deployed to provide first aid and relief such as tarpaulins for shelter, hygiene
kits, safe water, backed by pre-positioned emergency supplies.
Fiji Red Cross teams are working with the National Disaster Management Office and other agencies to work towards meeting
immediate needs as quickly and effectively as possible.
To support these relief efforts, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has
released initial early emergency relief funds of 86,000 Swiss Francs ($97,000 USD), to provide urgent assistance
including first aid, tarpaulins and shelter materials, safe water, household items and hygiene kits for 17,700 people
over the next month.
Head of the IFRC Pacific Office, Kathryn Clarkson, said:
"It's devastating to see another big cyclone affect Fiji so soon after Cyclone Harold and so close to Christmas. With
communities that are already facing challenges because of COVID-19 this will only add to the hardships. We have a full
team of people supporting the Fiji Red Cross Society operations and will be looking to increase our financial support
once we get the full picture of the damages.