Fiji: Recovery efforts ongoing following Dec. 17 passage of Cyclone Yasa /update 1

Event

Emergency management professionals are conducting recovery operations in affected areas of Fiji in response to damage and disruptions caused by Cyclone Yasa. The system made landfall in Bua Province in western Vanua Levu late Dec. 17. Strong winds and flooding damaged or destroyed numerous structures, especially in areas of Vanua Levu. Some damage has also occurred on Viti Levu and on other, smaller islands.

The National Disaster Management Office has declared a state of natural disaster throughout Fiji. The declaration will remain in effect until at least Jan. 15. The declaration empowers officials to order additional evacuations, control transport routes, and requisition resources, as needed. As of early Dec. 19, officials have evacuated roughly 24,000 people from threatened communities. Authorities have reported that at least two people have died; however, official casualty figures may increase in the coming days.

Transport and Utilities
Numerous roadways have been flooded. Extensive damage to regional roads and bridges may hamper recovery efforts in parts of Vanua Levu and other affected areas. It could take several days for floodwaters to recede and for officials to assess roads and bridges' structural integrity before traffic resumes in some areas. Power outages have been reported in multiple communities on Vanua Levu and Viti Levu, impacting thousands of households as of early Dec. 19. Flight operations, including domestic services and repatriation flights for Fijians stranded abroad due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, have been disrupted at multiple airports.

Health
Although a secondary concern, the threat of disease outbreaks cannot be discounted in the coming days and weeks. Backflow from drains that has mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing insect and waterborne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Confirm all transport arrangements throughout Fiji. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in affected areas; some roads could remain closed for days. Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistical disruptions. Do not drive on flooded roads or past flood barriers. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the ongoing threat of areal flooding.

Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellphones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks. Keep any necessary medications in a waterproof container.