Cyclone Yasa (category 5), the newest Cyclone in South pacific, hit Fiji yesterday, killing at least two people and causing huge damage to the country. Over 850 000 Fijians were in the direct path of the storm. A total of 72 roads was closed around the country as a result of fallen trees, broken power lines, floodwaters and landslides.
In Vanua Levu on Thursday evening, heavy rain occurred, widespread flooding and winds of up to 285 kilometers per hour across the archipelago. It has been reported that the water level of Rewa river is increasing due to heavy rainfall. The storm also disrupted power lines, communications and caused torrential floods and road disruptions. Due to the storm, more than 20,000 people were placed in government evacuation centers. Fiji’s Primer Minister Frank Bainimarama told that these storms are more frequent and dangerous and compared this to the climate emergency.
