Preparations for severe Cyclone Yasa’s arrival are in full-swing across the country. After intensifying through yesterday, Yasa is a category 5 storm that could easily surpass the record-breaking strength of Cyclone Winston.
The impact forecast for this latest super-storm is more or less the entire country. Over 850,000 Fijians are in the direct path of the cyclone –– more than 95% of our population. Everywhere in Fiji, we can expect the rains will get worse. The winds will b...ecome more destructive. In low-lying areas, we anticipate flash flooding and severe coastal inundation, including waves up to ten metres in height.
If you have not done so already, secure your homes, board up the windows, ensure you have emergency kits ready, as well as enough food and water stocked to last several days. All those in low-lying areas should move to higher ground. And if you feel you are fully prepared, lend help to a neighbour who may not be.
We will be instituting the nationwide curfew from 4pm today until 6am tomorrow until further notice. Unless you are evacuating, that means stay off the roads and stay safely sheltered.
My fellow Fijians, as the world is getting warmer these storms are getting stronger. Every one of us must treat these climate-fuelled catastrophes with deadly seriousness. Where flooding occurs, do not enter the floodwaters. Keep your children out of harm’s way. Keep a close eye on the elderly. Do not go out on boats. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary or if have been directed to evacuate by authorities.
All of our COVID-19 border quarantine facilities have hygienic evacuation plans in place if necessary.
Keep abreast of weather updates and adhere closely to the advice of authorities. All those in the path of this storm, rest assured, we will reach you. Our battle-tested disaster officials are ready to come to the aid of affected communities.
Stay safe, Fiji.