Today: 31 July 2025
17 December 2020
2 mins read

Cyclone Yasa: Fiji declares state of natural disaster

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on Thursday urged Fijians to prepare for the worst as the Yasa could cause devastation worse than tropical cyclone Winson in 2016…reports Asian Lite News

Fiji on Thursday declared a 30-day state of natural disaster as the category 5 tropical cyclone Yasa hit the island country.

While making the announcement, Fiji’s Director for National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) Vasiti Soko said that developments may lead to additional regulations, reports Xinhua news agency.

A curfew between 4 p.m. on Thursday and 4 a.m. on Friday bans people’s outdoor movements unless necessary, she said, adding that people in emergency situations should contact the police and military personnel for assistance.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on Thursday urged Fijians to prepare for the worst as the Yasa could cause devastation worse than tropical cyclone Winson in 2016, which killed 44 people and caused extensive damage to the nation.

He warned that more than 850,000 Fijians or 95 per cent of the total population is set to be affected by Yasa.

According to the Nadi Weather Office on Thursday, the centre of tropical cyclone Yasa is currently at the edge of Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island, and the cyclone is expected to cross the northern part of the country in a couple of hours.

Close to its centre, cyclone Yasa is expected to have very destructive winds at speed up to 240 km per hour with momentary gusts up to 345 km per hour.

According to local media reports, cyclone Yasa has caused damages to houses and landslides across the country.

In Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island where the capital Suva is located, an unplanned power outage occurred on Thursday with the time for power restoration remains unknown.

Hundreds of Fijians have moved into evacuation centres set up by the Fijian government in response to the tropical cyclone.

Schools remained closed on Thursday while all public transport services and sea services ceased.

The tropical cyclone season in the South Pacific region runs between November and April every year and Fiji is expected to experience up to three tropical cyclones during the current season.

Also read:Nationwide night curfew extended in Fiji

Previous Story

Australian economy sees signs of recovery

Next Story

Tokyo’s daily Covid cases top 800 for 1st time

Latest from -Top News

Netanyahu Blasts UK Over Palestine Plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his plan to recognise the State of Palestine, accusing him of rewarding “monstrous terrorism” of Hamas. “Starmer rewards Hamas’s

India, Syria Eye Closer Ties

In addition to the meeting with the Syrian Foreign Minister, the Indian delegation also held discussions with Syrian Health Minister Musab Al-Ali on Monday….reports Asian Lite News An Indian delegation, currently on

Syria Needs Order, Says UN Envoy

Pedersen expressed concern about credible reports of widespread violations and abuses in Sweida, including summary executions…reports Asian Lite News UN Syria Envoy Geir Pedersen urged interim authorities to act with professionalism and

Killing Fields of Gaza

While Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue to dominate global headlines after hundreds of days of conflict, a parallel and equally devastating crisis is unfolding — one that receives far less attention: deepening

Palestine: UK MPs Urge PM to Emulate France

Global condemnation has been growing over Israel’s blockade of most aid with reports of starvation and widespread malnutrition in Gaza Keir Starmer has confirmed the government will be “taking forward” plans to
Go toTop