Fiji was hit by a Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasa on December 17-18, 2020, which caused extensive damage and destruction of critical infrastructure. Cyclone Yasa is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the southern hemisphere Amid a curfew and loss of communication, the true extend of damage is only starting to be revealed The category five storm tore across the northern island of Vanua Levu last night, with winds gusting as high as 345 kilometres per hour. Winds are now sustained at 200km/h and over, with gusts to 270km/h, along with major coastal inundation near the centre of the storm as it moves in. SUVA, Fiji -- Fiji imposed a nationwide curfew Thursday after urging people near the coast to move to higher ground as the island nation prepared for a major cyclone to hit. IFRC; Posted … News Fiji braces for Cyclone Yasa with 16-meter waves forecast. Tropical Cyclone Yasa is the first tropical cyclone of the season moving across the South Pacific, between Fiji and Vanuatu. Early photos from parts of the island show flattened homes and damaged crops. A Fijian boy carries a bag to a temporary shelter to avoid strong damaging winds from super cyclone Yasa … TC Yasa is expected to make a clockwise loop just east of Vanuatu. Photo: Fiji government Speaking in Parliament, the Disaster Management Minister Inia Seruiratu said about 139,000 people and 31,000 households were directly affected by the super storm. Severe Cyclone Yasa is just hours away from potentially unleashing mayhem on Fiji, with warnings that the storm could swamp entire islands. Cyclone Yasa, a category five storm - the highest category - is expected to bring high-speed winds and torrential rain across Fiji's two largest islands when it makes landfall on Friday. Fiji has 11 active Covid-19 cases in border quarantine. Yasa will spend the next few days spinning around in a giant circle. Authorities have urged Fiji's population of nearly 1 million to seek higher ground, as Cyclone Yasa … A Gale Warning remains in force for open waters between Fiji and Rotuma. During Cyclone Yasa, which destroyed dozens of homes, winds topped 200 mph. Image: Fiji Government. Fiji is the target of cyclone Yasa with wind speeds of 80-155 miles per hour. Tragically, four people lost their lives. Cyclone Yasa, a category five storm - the highest category - is expected to bring high-speed winds and torrential rain across Fiji's two largest islands when it makes landfall on Friday. 131. 1:30pm Dec 18, 2020. TC Yasa wreaks havoc in Bua. "The words I'm hearing are 'absolutely terrifying, never seen anything like it before, it was so long and just so ferocious'," she told NewstalkZB. Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama confirmed on Friday afternoon (Australian time) that a three-month-old baby was one of the dead. Landslides, flooding, strong gusts of up to 345km/hr and large swells of up to 14m high are adding to the devastation of Cyclone Yasa which has left thousands of Fijian homeless overnight. Photo: Fiji government Speaking in Parliament, the Disaster Management Minister Inia Seruiratu said about 139,000 people and 31,000 households were directly affected by the super storm. Tropical Cyclone Yasa left destruction in its wake at Daku Primary School. Super cyclone hits Fiji bringing floods, landslides. by Leon Lord. On the forecasted track TC Yasa is expected to be located about 475km westnorthwest off Yasawa-i-Rara or 445 northwest off Viwa or 430km west-southwest off Rotuma at midday today. During the rainy season, Fiji is more prone to experience hurricanes and tropical storms. Fiji's hurricane season usually lasts from November to April. Wet and dry zones. Certain areas in the Fijian archipelago receive much more rainfall than others. Another climatic disorder is on the cards as Fiji, the Pacific island nation, braces to face the wrath of tropical cyclone Yasa. Fiji: Devastation caused by Cyclone Yasa compared to war zone. Fiji's Vanua Levu pummelled by TC Yasa overnight 11:32 am on 18 December 2020 Cyclone Yasa has been downgraded to a category 4 storm but is still packing winds of at least 195km/hr with gusts of 275km/hr. Fiji's National Disaster Management Office has said about 600,000 people lie directly in the cyclone… Fiji expected to experience the full effects of Cat 5 Cyclone Yasa from tomorrow. Fiji is "smack bang in the firing line" of a major tropical cyclone that could be life-threatening for some on lower-lying islands. Tropical Cyclone Yasa has rapidly intensified and is now a category 5 system as it heads towards us. As expected a Tropical Cyclone has formed overnight. Tropical Cyclone Yasa is the first tropical cyclone of the season moving across the South Pacific, between Fiji and Vanuatu. IFRC; Posted 18 Jun 2021 Originally published 18 … Fiji is preparing for “very destructive winds” and widespread flooding as category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasa heads for the centre of the island group. Cyclone Yasa is a category 5 monster with enough force to wipe out entire villages, and it’s barrelling towards Fiji. Cyclone Yasa rips through Fiji, killing at least 2 people and destroying homes. Local journalist and correspondent, Lice Movono, said initial reports indicated mass devastation in the north. Sainiani Boila Multimedia Journalist Sainiani.Boila@fbc.com.fj | @SainianiFBCNews. Cyclone Yasa, a category five storm - the highest category - is expected to bring high-speed winds and torrential rain across Fiji's two largest islands when it makes landfall on Friday. Rebuilding of education facilities damaged by Cyclone Yasa underway in Fiji. Fiji imposed a nationwide curfew on Thursday after urging people near the coast to move to higher lands as the island nation braced for a major cyclone. ... screen and test all contacts of current COVID-19 cases in Fiji Fiji has 11 active Covid-19 cases in border quarantine. At least two people – one a young baby – have died and there are fears entire villages have been destroyed after a powerful cyclone slammed into Fiji. Gale force winds were recorded at around 10 am local time near Rakiraki, according to the Fiji Meteorological Service. ABC News (Australia) published this video item, entitled “Fiji prepares for category 5 Cyclone Yasa | ABC News” – below is their description. News Deadly cyclone batters Fiji, sparks flooding. Giant waves feared as Fiji braces for Category 5 Cyclone Yasa. Fiji. Sainiani Boila Multimedia Journalist Sainiani.Boila@fbc.com.fj | @SainianiFBCNews. Relief efforts are underway in Fiji after Cyclone Yasa slammed into the Pacific Island nation with winds of 240 kilometres per hour. Cyclone Yasa was expected to hit the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu later Thursday or early Friday. Responding to the needs of their faithful, Jehovah’s Witness church volunteers have repaired and rebuilt houses damaged by Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa … TC Yasa has rapidly intensified and developed further into a category 4 system at midday yesterday. Vanuatu, Fiji - Tropical Cyclone YASA (Fiji NEws, Radio New Zealand, NZ Herald, VMGD, MET Fiji, JTWC, GDACS) (ECHO Daily Flash of 14 December 2020) Format News … Located about one-third of the way from New Zealand to Hawaii, Fiji has a … The category 5 … The Weather Office says Cyclone Yasa is located about 580 kilometres West North West of Nadi. Tropical Cyclone Yasa brings flooding and winds to the Bua Province. December 17, 2020 6:50 pm. Tropical cyclone Yasa, the first severe tropical cyclone of … Generally, there are three main category names of tropical storms. Cyclones. These happen around the Indian Ocean and the South-East Pacific. Cyclones tend to appear in countries like Madagascar, India, and parts of Australia. They also often attack countries like Japan, and Indonesia, Malaysia, and nearby countries. Yasa is the second-strongest cyclone on record to hit Fiji. It will lead to heavy rainfall that could trigger floods and landslides. One person has died, and five, including a three-year-old boy, are still missing after Cyclone Ana pummelled Fiji on Sunday, just over a month after category 5 Cyclone Yasa … Fiji is the target of cyclone Yasa with wind speeds of 80-155 miles per hour. Fiji Meteorological Service Media Release No.13: Severe TC Yasa intensifies further into a Category 5 system and slow moving towards Fiji (1pm, Wednesday, 16 December, 2020) On Thursday, December 17, 2020, severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa made landfall on Fiji’s second-largest island, Vanua Levu. Authorities imposed a nighttime curfew and declared a state of natural disaster. Cyclone Yasa Batters Fiji With Strong Winds and Heavy Rain. Fiji’s response to Yasa will be further complicated by the global Covid-19 pandemic. Yasa is the first severe tropical cyclone of the season but the second to strike during the COVID-19 pandemic, after Cyclone Harold tore through the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga in April. After mass closures and too little support, post-pandemic child care … Last month, Cyclone Yasa battered Fiji with intense winds, storm surges and flooding. Two dead as super cyclone levels Fiji villages. Yasa is also the earliest Category 5 tropical cyclone on both the Australian scale (10-min mean) and Saffir-Simpson scale (1-min mean) in the basin since reliable records began. Rebuilding of education facilities damaged by Cyclone Yasa underway in Fiji. Fiji. Tropical Cyclone Yasa made landfall in Fiji this afternoon, slamming into the island of Vanua Levu packing winds of 240km/h equivalent to a category 4 hurricane on … Vanuatu, Fiji - Tropical Cyclone YASA (Fiji NEws, Radio New Zealand, NZ Herald, VMGD, MET Fiji, JTWC, GDACS) (ECHO Daily Flash of 14 December 2020) Format News and Press Release There is no record of a hurricane so strong making landfall on Fiji’s main island. A destructive tropical cyclone is bearing down on Fiji with winds approaching 150 mph and an intensity rating that is nearly off the charts. Tropical Cyclone Yasa made landfall in Fiji this afternoon, slamming into the island of Vanua Levu packing winds of 240km/h equivalent to a category 4 hurricane on … Cyclone Yasa Batters Fiji With Strong Winds and Heavy Rain. Super cyclone Yasa slammed into Fiji's second-largest island Thursday, tearing roofs off buildings as it … Tropical Cyclone Yasa struck the low-lying Pacific island nation of Fiji on Thursday evening local time, as one of the strongest storms to hit there. Cyclone Yasa: Monster storm now cat 5, set to strike Fiji in coming 24 hours - NZ Herald Cyclone Yasa intensifies to category 4 with winds of up 200km/h - NZ Herald The Nadi Weather Office says Viti Levu, Kadavu and the Yasawa Group can expect gale and storm force winds from Thursday however, heavy rain will be experienced over the Fiji Group from Wednesday. "What I'm hearing is that the winds lasted for quite a while. Yasawa has been experiencing heavy rain and strong winds from last night as Tropical Cyclone Yasa moves closer to the Fiji … To date, the tropical cyclone Yasa is the 5th cyclone whose strength is categorized as five and the second storm of its strength to make landfall in Fiji. Residents of Fiji have been urged to seek shelter and get to higher land as Yasa makes landfall, potentially bringing dangerous waves and damaging winds in coming days. by Leon Lord. At least two people have been killed and entire villages reportedly destroyed after Tropical Cyclone Yasa … Tropical Cyclone Yasa made landfall in Fiji overnight - with powerful gusts reaching up to 350km/h near the eye of the storm. Hurricane force winds and torrential rain brought by Cyclone Yasa have destroyed scores of houses and flattened crops in Fiji's northern regions, aid … Tropical Cyclone Yasa made landfall in Fiji Thursday afternoon, local time, slamming into the island of Vanua Levu packing winds of 240 kph (149 mph) equivalent to a … TC Yasa is headed for a potentially devastating landfall in Fiji within the next 24 hours, NASA 's website reported at 7:18 am this morning, December 17. A tropical cyclone is brewing in the Pacific, with forecasters predicting it could hit Fiji over the next 24 hours. Yasa made landfall on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island, on 17 December, leaving what Fiji’s Red Cross called a “devastating trail of destruction”. It’s not a good set up for Fiji at all with Severe Cyclone Yasa now Category 5 – the maximum level. Tropical Cyclone Yasa struck the low-lying Pacific island nation of Fiji on Thursday evening local time, as one of the strongest storms to hit there. Yasa is the third Category Five storm to hit Fiji since 2016, when Cyclone Winston killed 44 people and destroyed tens of thousands of homes. Destructive, life threatening, weather may continue across the Fiji islands for the next 24 hours, but the eye of Yasa … Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the past few months have been very challenging for Fiji as Fiji was hit by two tropical cyclones - TC Yasa … it moved slowly as it was making landfall. Fiji’s response to Yasa will be further complicated by the global Covid-19 pandemic. Fiji braces for 'dire situation' as category five Cyclone Yasa threatens 600,000 people Thursday December 17, 2020 - 01:29 EDT Cyclone Yasa is currently tracking north-west of Fiji, and is expected to make landfall by Friday. Satellite images and tracking maps of Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasa 2020-2021, December 12 - 19. Publish Date. People remove debris caused by Cyclone Yasa in Suva, Fiji, on Friday. Cyclone Yasa was expected to hit the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu on Thursday or early Friday. News World State of natural disaster: Fiji under strict curfew as cyclone Yasa approaches 3:38pm, Dec 17, 2020 Updated: 3:50pm, Dec 17 State of natural disaster: Fiji … (AFP) india news The storm has been named Yasa by the Fiji Met Service. Tropical Cyclone "Yasa" made landfall over Vanua Levu, Fiji's second-largest island just after 06:00 UTC (18:00 LT) on December 17, 2020, with wind speeds up to 240 km/h (150 mph) and momentary gusts up to 345 km/h (215 mph), according to the RSMC Nadi. A potentially life-threatening cyclone is on track to hit Fiji this week. •. Winds were reported to have reached up to 260 km/hr (161 mph) At least 30 congregations and … Yasa. The system was currently located over open waters between Fiji and Vanuatu. The most recent was Cyclone Harold, which claimed 31 lives as it tracked through the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga in April this year. Fiji Metservice currently forecast it to make landfall as a Category 5 Cyclone from early Friday 18 December 2020 (local time). Cyclone Yasa is predicted to bring heavy rain, a risk of river flooding and flash flooding, possible landslides in landslide-prone areas and destructive winds. This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission. Tropical Cyclone Yasa to hit Fiji as a Category 5 cyclone December 16, 2020 The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is forecasting the storm to move between the principle islands of Fiji, however shut sufficient to convey its fiercest winds and heaviest rains to the principle island of Viti Levu as nicely as Vanua Levu and a few smaller islands. Super cyclone Yasa slammed into Fiji's second-largest island Thursday, tearing roofs off buildings as it triggered flash floods and landslides in the Pacific island nation. The first storm to reach category 5 that landed in Fiji was the tropical cyclone Winston, which hit Fiji way back in 2016. But the impact could have been far worse, were it not for fast action from well-trained emergency teams. Fiji/Pacific: Tropical Cyclone Yasa - Operation Update Report n° 3, DREF n° MDRFJ005 Format Situation Report Source. As it changes direction, the system is also expected to intensify into a Category 3 cyclone. People are advised to take necessary precautions as Tropical Cyclone Yasa is expected to make a clockwise loop, intensify into a Category 4 cyclone and head towards Fiji… Tropical Cyclone Yasa has reached Category 5 level on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale as it approaches Fiji, with winds of up to 260 kilometers …