tonga cyclone yasa

No additional landmasses are in its path and the storm is expected to dissipate over the next day or two. Dec 15, 2020, 11:30 am SGT. With every additional degree of average global warming, the scale and frequency of wildfires will increase exponentially, as will the intensity of heat-driven tropical cyclones," Bainimarama said. credit: Fiji Meteorological Service . Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu - Tropical Cyclone YASA-20 (Fiji MET, GDACS, JTWC, media, Tonga MET, VMGD) (ECHO Daily Flash of 15 December 2020) Format News and Press Release Multiple warnings were issued, including heavy rain, heavy wind, and flood warnings. Photo: AAP. While Yasa is bearing down on Fiji, another tropical cyclone, Zazu, has just passed north of Tonga, but brought little to no impact to the islands. Tonga braces for Tropical Cyclone Yasa. Many affected people had their access to food and water cut off. Tropical Cyclone Advisory Number 1 for Tonga on Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa (Category 5) (17 December 2020) Format News and Press Release Source. [34][35] Later that day, the alert was expanded to include the whole of Fiji, while gale warnings were issued for the Yasawa and Mamanuca island groups, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. In Vava'u, Tonga Met. [3] During that day, the system gradually organized further as it moved south-eastwards, before it was classified as Tropical Disturbance 02F by the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) during December 11. The system gradually moved through the South Pacific Ocean, going through a small, slow loop whilst rapidly intensifying. Cyclone Yasa is expected to be severe and may track towards NZ Category 1 CYCLONE ZAZU was between Cook Islands and Tonga now in Tonga which affects Niue . Several major towns, including Labasa, are in the forecast path. In the meantime Tropical Cyclone Yasa, named as the strongest cyclone on earth for 2020, struck Vanualevu and eastern Fiji with Category 5 wind force, causing severe destruction. Fiji – Cyclone Yasa: RSMC Nadi Warning as of 02:12 UTC, December 14, 2020: Tonga and Fiji were bracing for potentially catastrophic damage as tropical cyclones Zazu and Yasa intensified off their coastlines on Wednesday. 20 December 2020 – Zazu was only a Category 1 Cyclone coming so close to Tonga, bringing rain and a moderate storm, but then passed on, early last week. (Please note that the duty … At this stage, the disturbance had a broad and fully exposed low level circulation, with little to no atmospheric convection surrounding the system. [4][20] Later that day, the FMS reported that Yasa had peaked with 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 250 km/h (155 mph), as well as a minimum pressure of 899 hPa (26.55 inHg). Strong cyclones have become increasingly common in the Pacific in recent years, something Bainimarama has put down to climate change. [78], Many families across affected areas lost access to food, and were left without it just before the Christmas season. The category one storm is passing by the islands of Vava'u bringing destructive storm force winds, thunderstorms and high seas. Weather Alert: U.S. Embassy Suva, Fiji (December 15, 2020) Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa Approaching Fiji Location: Fiji Event: The Fiji Meteorological Service advises that Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa is Approaching Fiji. The area of low pressure that would eventually become Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa was first noted by the United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) during December 10, while it was located about 655 km (405 mi) to the north of Port Vila in Vanuatu. [59] Parts of Bua were inaccessible due to fallen trees, landslides and damaged roads. Meanwhile, some of the same supplies were prepositioned in Fiji ahead of the storm. [76] Payne further affirmed that "Throughout our long history of cooperation, Fiji and Australia have become more than just neighbors – we are family. [5][14][15] During December 14, the FMS reported that Yasa had become a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone, before the system rapidly intensified into a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone later that day. Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa was the strongest tropical cyclone in the South Pacific since Winston in 2016, as well as the fourth most intense tropical cyclone on record in the basin. Yasa may strengthen more over the next 12 hours, before weakening slightly as it approaches Fiji in about 36 hours. Meanwhile in Samoa, a separate tropical cyclone… Two people have died due to Cyclone Yasa, Fijian officials say, as the category 4 storm heads towards Tonga. Tonga's meteorological service has issued a tropical cyclone warning for the whole of the island nation - with storm-force wind and gale warnings in force for Ha'apai, 'Eua, Vava'u and the main island of Tongatapu. [4][25] This caused increased vertical wind shear over the system, which in turn caused Yasa to significantly weaken and become a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone during December 18. [72] Around 90 in quarantine due to COVID-19 at a camp in Vaini, Tongatapu were required to be evacuated to Fua'amotu (a remote village in Nukuʻalofa) due to Yasa. Then, on December 17th, Fiji was hit by Cyclone Yasa, a category five storm that caused 150km per hour winds, storm surges, and flooding. [50] Other regions of the country were forecast to experience torrential rainfall, swells up to 6 meters high, and violent storm force winds throughout the day. While Yasa is bearing down on Fiji, another tropical cyclone, Zazu, has just passed north of Tonga, but brought little to no impact to the islands. Director ‘Ofa Fa’anunu, said the strongest gust recorded reached 62 knots at Lupepau’u Airport at 1:00am. Tropical Cyclone Zazu (Cat. [3] The system was also located within a marginally favourable environment for further development, with high levels of vertical wind shear, being offset by warm sea surface temperatures of around 29–30 °C (84–86 °F). Tropical Cyclone Zazu (Cat. In addition to winds over 200 kph (125 mph), the storm will also bring over 250 mm (10 inches) of rainfall, which can trigger flooding and landslides. [52][53] The cyclone struck Vanua Levu destroying homes in Tabia, Vunivau, Dreketi and Nabouwalu. Moderate to rough seas (up to 6-8 metres). Tonga… 1) is expected to move 60km south of Neiafu, Vava’u or 70km northeast of Muitoa, Ha’apai at 3:00pm today, the Tonga Meteorological Services forecast this morning. [4][12] Yasa subsequently performed a second anti-cyclonic loop as the subtropical ridge weakened, while its primary steering mechanism started to change, which caused the system to move north-eastwards towards the Equator. [25][26][27] Over the next couple of days, the system gradually weakened further, as it brushed Tonga with hurricane-force winds, before it was classified as a former tropical cyclone by the FMS during December 19 as it degenerated into an extratropical low. Police enforced a public ban on public transport. [1] Damage estimates in Fiji were calculated at a minimum total of FJ$500 million, or US$246.7 million (2020 USD).[2]. [22][23], After it had made landfall, Yasa's eye became cloud-filled and dissipated, as it completed an eyewall replacement cycle over Vanua Levu. [21] This made Yasa the fourth most intense tropical cyclone and tied with Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam as the second strongest tropical cyclone on record in the Southern Pacific basin. [49], As Yasa passed to the west of Tonga on December 18, tropical cyclone warnings were raised for the entirety of the country. The extreme intensity of the storm will lead to very rough seas and storm surge capable of flooding low-lying coastal communities. The storm is expected to strengthen into a category two system as it moves away from Tonga. Transportation was hampered as 72 roads in the country were closed due to fallen trees, powerlines, and flooding. Impacts began to be felt on mid-day December 16, as villages in the Malolo and Yasawa groups began to feel the winds and rain of Yasa. The result of these cyclones was the destruction of several homes, damage to thousands more homes, and the death of four people. A high wind warning was put in place for Vanuatu as the storm's wind field reached the country. MAX: 27°C MIN: 22°C. Meanwhile, a second stronger Tropical Cyclone, TC Yasa (Cat. [65] More than 93,000 Fijians – over 10% of the population[66] – were impacted by the storm, and around 23,000 were required to go to evacuation centers. Forecast up to Sunday Midnight (04th April, 2021) Issued: 6am (04th April, 2021) Tongatapu/'Eua. [4][5][6] During that day, the system continued to develop and was classified as a tropical depression by the FMS, while Tropical Depression 01F/04P moved along its southern periphery. [...] Australia pledges our ongoing support to our Fijian vuvale following TC Yasa. CNN's James Griffiths and Michael Guy contributed reporting from Hong Kong. Yasa maintained its intensity and became more defined on satellite imagery as it bore down on Fiji. [73] The Ministry of Health and Medical Services was provided with Inter-Agency Emergency Health Kits, and other medical and health supplies. Cyclone Yasa, with winds at its centre gusting as high as 350km/h, is due to make landfall this evening. [5][18][19], The JTWC reported that Yasa had peaked with 1-minute sustained wind speeds of 260 km/h (160 mph), which made it equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane on the SSHWS during December 16. [31] They also noted that the system was expected, to produce very rough to high seas, heavy rain and sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas. Ha'apai. [60] Massive landslides occurred along the Dreketi-Nabouwalu Highway. [57] A total of 72 roads were closed around the country as a result of fallen trees, broken powerlines, floodwaters and landslides. [65] Over 4,200 houses were damaged or destroyed. There is a second tropical cyclone, called Zazu, in the southwest Pacific. And Tonga has now issued a cyclone warning for Yasa with forecasts showing it tracking close to its islands over the weekend. The cyclone will bring heavy rain and strong, damaging winds to affected areas later this week. Tonga is being hit by Cyclone Zazu this afternoon, with winds gusting up to 120 kilometre an hour. [3][4] At this stage, the disturbance had a broad and fully exposed low level circulation, with little to no atmospheric convection surrounding the system. This made Yasa the earliest Category 5 tropical cyclone on both the Australian scale (10-min mean) and Saffir-Simpson scale (1-min mean) in the South Pacific basin since reliable records began, beating the old record by Cyclone Zoe in 2002-03. Tonga's meteorological service has issued a … [68], Damage to agriculture across the nation reached FJ$150 million (US$73 million). Govt. In April, both Fiji and Vanuatu were struck by Tropical Cyclone Harold, which was equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane and brought massive destruction to Vanuatu in particular, where it was, According to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, one of the strongest recorded storms to ever make landfall. Many WASH kits, school in a boxes, and school boxes were stored at a warehouse in Brisbane, Australia, to be sent to Fiji. During December 11, the FMS issued a gale warning for Rotuma, as Tropical Depression 01F was expected to impact the Fijian dependency, with wind gusts of up to 60 km/h (35 mph). 11:40 am on 15 December 2020. "[67] Reports showed that much of the homes in villages were completely destroyed and crops were flattened by the extensive wind brought in by Yasa. Meanwhile, a second stronger Tropical Cyclone, TC Yasa (Cat. Cyclone Zazu is moving south-southeast and is expected to lie around 60 kilometres south of Neiafu, Vava’u at 3pm this afternoon. The U.S. Embassy is closed Friday. [51] Parts of Rakiraki and Labasa were flooded. [36][37] The Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts ordered the closure of all schools as schools would be used as evacuation centers[38] and an Emergency Operations Center was activated by the National Disaster Management Office. Meanwhile a second cyclone, Yasa, continued to intensify as it sat in the warm waters between Vanuatu and Fiji . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Tropical_Depression_01F_(2020) Zazu, located northeast of Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa, is classified as a Category 1 system with wind speeds of up to 90 km / h . Cyclone Yasa Could Hit Fiji as Category 5, Cyclone Zazu to Belt Tonga Tropical cyclone Yasa, currently category 3, is forecast to intensify to category 5 before impacting Fiji on Friday morning. In about a day, it became a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone on the Australian scale and a few hours later, a Category 5-equivalent cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with 1-minute sustained winds of 260 km/h (160 mph) and a minimum pressure of 899 hPa (26.5 inHg). Tonga has issued cyclone warnings with Yasa expected to sweep to the southwest of the country late tomorrow. [9] Over the next day, the system continued to consolidate and absorbed Tropical Depression 01F, as it moved south-westwards along the northeastern edge of a subtropical ridge of high pressure. The impacts felt from Yasa were large and wide. [50], As Yasa moved across Fiji, a village elder in Yasawa stated that some of their farms had been destroyed. (CNN)A powerful storm is barreling down on Fiji, bringing hurricane-force winds to the Pacific island nation. Helen Willetts has the details. It's expected to grow into a category 2 storm later on Tuesday and Wednesday as it strikes. The cyclone will bring heavy rain and strong, damaging winds to affected areas. The Island of Vavaʻu reported minor damage to fruit crops and Kava plants. 3) continues to move slowly towards Fiji. [67] As with many disasters during the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery was anticipated to be much harder and slower due to restrictions and measures still needed to be taken while thousands remained in evacuation centers. More than 93,000 Fijians have been affected and 24,000 Fijians have been … These will be sent to Fiji to help recovery. The aftermath of Cyclone Winston, which hit Fiji in March 2016. [24][25] The system subsequently moved into the Koro Sea, where it passed near or over several of the Lau Islands and started to interact with an upper-level trough of low pressure. [40] Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama in a video address urged all Fijians to prepare for the cyclone. [citation needed] The system subsequently started to weaken with its cloud tops starting to warm, before Yasa made landfall in Bua Province on Vanua Levu as a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone, at around 06:00 UTC (18:00 FJT) on December 17. Waves higher than 3 meters (10 feet) prevented ships from ships from leaving Suva, on the island of Viti Levu. Tonga and Fiji were bracing for potentially catastrophic damage as tropical cyclones Zazu and Yasa intensified off their coastlines on Wednesday. Event: The Tonga Meteorological Service has issued a tropical cyclone warning for Tropical Cyclone Yasa. NGOs and agencies ready to assist. Yasa is now severely diminished in strength as it heads toward Fiji’s neighbor to the east, Tonga. Over the next few days, the system gradually developed further as it absorbed Tropical Depression 01F, before it was classified as a tropical cyclone and named Yasa by the Fiji Meteorological Service on December 13. [63], Cyclone Yasa at peak intensity on December 16, Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, "Cyclone Yasa Damage Costs Hit $500m: Seruiratu", Significant Tropical Weather Advisory December 10, 2020 06z, "JTWC Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Running Best Track Analysis", Fiji Climate Summary: December 2020 Volume 41: Issue 12, Tropical Disturbance Summary December 11, 2020 00z, Tropical Disturbance Advisory 1 December 12, 2020 00z, Tropical Cyclone 04P Warning 5 December 12, 2020 03z, Tropical Cyclone 05P Warning Number 1 December 12, 2020 15z, Tropical Cyclone 05P Warning Number 3 December 13, 2020 03z, Tropical Cyclone Naming Bulletin December 13, 2020 12z, Tropical Disturbance Advisory B5 December 14, 2020 03z, Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 6 December 13, 2020 21z, Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 7 December 14, 2020 03z, Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 10 December 14, 2020 21z, Tropical Disturbance Advisory B10 December 15, 2020 15z, Weekly Tropical Climate Note December 22, 2020, Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 11 December 15, 2020 03z, Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 14 December 15, 2020 21z, Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 15 December 16, 2020 03z, Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 16, 2020 18z, Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 17, 2020 00z, "TC Yasa makes landfall ahead of schedule", Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 17, 2020 12z, Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 22 December 17, 2020 21z, Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 23 December 18, 2020 03z, Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 18, 2020 00z, Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 19, 2020 21z, Tropical Cyclone Potential Bulletin December 19, 2020 21z, Significant Tropical Weather Advisory December 21, 2020 06z, Special Weather Bulletin for Fiji and Rotuma Number 1 December 11, 2020 09z, Special Weather Bulletin for Fiji and Rotuma Number 20 December 13, 2020 12z, "Weather watch: TC Yasa moves East at 5 knots; heavy rain alert remains", "Warnings issued for most parts of Fiji as TC Yasa expected to loop and head towards us", "Shipping companies urged to take heed of advisory", "Fijians to adhere to all public advisories", "Schools to close, external exams to continue", "Authorities warn Fijians to take precautions", "Police activates Cyclone Response Operations as TC Yasa moves closer", "Bainimarama urges Fijians to prepare for TC Yasa", "PUBLIC ADVISORY 4 Coastal dwellers will have to expect storm surge with waves as high as 16 m. #TCYasa #FijiNews #DisasterPreparedness", "Fiji Airways planes to be flown or ferried out of Fiji", "Impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa On Fiji Airways and Fiji Link Flights", "Fijians brace as Cyclone Yasa continues to strengthen", "State of Natural Disaster declared for Fiji", "Fiji under curfew as powerful Cyclone Yasa makes landfall", "Vanuatu, Fiji - Tropical Cyclone YASA update (DG ECHO, GDACS, JTWC, MET Fiji, VMGD) (ECHO Daily Flash of 15 December 2020)", "Tropical Cyclone Advisory Number 8 for Tonga on Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa (Category 3) | Government of Tonga", "Yasawa currently feeling the impacts of TC Yasa", "Flooding expected to worsen in Rakiraki", "Labasa situation described as worse than TC Winston", "TC Yasa leaves a trail of destruction in Vanua Levu", "Akbar aware of Dreketi Primary School damage", "Some schools in Vanua Levu have suffered extensive damages", "Devastation, Mayhem In Vanua Levu In TC Yasa's Trail", "Massive landslides along Dreketi-Nabouwalu Highway", "Widespread damage in parts of Vanua Levu", "Cyclone Yasa rips through Fiji, killing at least 2 people and destroying homes", "Powerful Cyclone Yasa is a 'climate emergency' in Fiji", "Cyclone Yasa leaves thousands homeless in Fiji", "Cyclone Yasa: Fijian islands in disarray from 'monster' storm, extent of damage unclear", "Damaged Health facilities bill pegged at around $2.5m", "90 in quarantine move from Makeke during Yasa cyclone alert", "Extensive destruction reported as Cyclone Yasa slams into Fiji", "Pacific Islands Tropical Cyclone Yasa Humanitarian Situation Report No. 3) continues to move slowly towards Fiji. SUVA, FIJI (AFP) - Fiji and Tonga issued severe weather warnings Tuesday (Dec 15) as twin cyclones intensified near the Pacific island nations. "I urge communities to use this time to take steps to keep your homes and communities safe," Bainimarama said in a national address, a message that was reiterated by the country's Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, which. Even so, the storm is still expected to be extremely strong when it reaches the country on Thursday night local time (Thursday morning ET). [69] Costs to repair and restore damage to Energy Fiji Limited's power infrastructure reached FJ$7–8 million (US$3.4–3.9 million). PLEASE TAKE CARE & KEEP SAFE Family PLEASE listen to your local emergency authorities # Prayers4Fiji # Prayers4Tonga Thank you # FijiMetService and # WeatherWatchNZ for the updates # … [66] Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama stated that the damage would likely surpass that of Cyclone Winston in 2016, additionally tweeting that "This is not normal. The system was also located within a marginally favourable environment for further development, with high levels of … The Cyclone Rapidly Fades away leaving Tonga with much needed rain and little in the way of damage. The environmental NGO 350 in Fiji's secretary, Genevieve Jiva, said that Fijians are "literally fighting for our survival" after the storm's passing. Meanwhile in Samoa, a separate tropical cyclone, Zazu, … The storm is expected to strengthen into a category two system as it moves away from Tonga. The scale estimates potential property damage, and NOAA warns that even well built homes could face "severe damage" as a result of winds over 200 kph, while trees and power poles could be downed, bringing more destruction and disruption. Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa nearing Tonga. 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 per hour (160 miles per hour). Tonga's Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at Fua'amotu was activated this morning at 9:00am. The area in red is forecast to suffer destructive or very destructive hurricane force winds. Yasa is no longer a ‘severe’ tropical cyclone but is still a powerful storm packing a punch as it passes just to the west of Tonga today. [48], As the storm began to impact Vanuatu, a strong wind warning was put in effect for central and southern coastal areas of the country. It was also the fourth most intense South Pacific tropical cyclone after Winston , Zoe , Pam , while Zazu dissipated into an extratropical cyclone. [64] A 45-year-old man and an infant in Labasa were instantly killed when a home collapsed in on them. [72], Shortly after Yasa made landfall in Fiji, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) released information on initial emergency relief funds for the storm. [41] The National Disaster Management Office posted on social media that storm surges with waves as high as 16 m (52 ft) were expected. Cyclone Zazu is moving south-southeast and is expected to lie around 60 kilometres south of Neiafu, Vava’u at 3pm this afternoon. This is a climate emergency. [31] This warning was subsequently expanded during the following day to include Tropical Depression 02F and an associated convergence zone. Updated 0329 GMT (1129 HKT) December 16, 2020. [71] A damage survey performed later in February 2021 indicated total damage was upwards of FJ$500 million, or US$246.7 million, with 2,141 homes completely destroyed and another 6,184 partially damaged. Over the next few days, various gale, storm, hurricane, storm surge and damaging swell warnings were issued for the group. [54] Dreketi Primary School and other schools in Vanua Levu were severely damaged. Cyclones Yasa and Zaza were both named by authorities on Monday, the first in the South Pacific for this summer’s cyclone season. [62] Across Fiji's northern regions, crops were damaged and/or destroyed. Zazu, which is north-east of Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa, is rated a category one system, with winds of up to 90km/h (55mph). Tonga's meteorological service has issued a tropical cyclone warning for the whole of the island nation - with storm-force wind and gale warnings in force … The storm, which hit Fiji on Thursday with heavy rain and strong winds, is now heading for the Pacific island of Tonga. Yasa has developed into a category two storm in the waters between Fiji and Vanuatu. The funds of 86,000 Swiss Francs ($97,000 USD), were used to provide first aid, shelter materials, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, household items, and safe water to more than 17,700 people. On December 16, shipping services were halted and the Ministry of Fisheries strongly advised fishermen to refrain from travelling out to sea. [10], During December 13, the FMS classified the system as a Category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale and named it Yasa, while it was located over open waters between Fiji and Vanuatu. Soon, the entirety of Fiji was under warnings as Yasa neared. Cyclone Zazu, a category 1 storm, is tracking at sea between Tonga and the Cook Islands. Tonga safe from Zazu and Yasa. Fresh from smashing through Fiji, Cyclone Yasa is now swiping Tonga. [44] Evacuation centers were opened nationwide and the government put the military on standby to help. The area of low pressure that would eventually become Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa was first noted by the United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) during December 10, while it was located about 655 km (405 mi) to the north of Port Vila in Vanuatu. [70] Damage to medical infrastructure reached FJ$2.5 million (US$1.2 million), including FJ$1.5 million (US$730,000) for the destruction of Kia Island's only nursing station. [33] Over the next few days, strong wind, heavy rain and flood warnings were issued for various parts of the archipelago, before a tropical cyclone alert was issued during December 15, for Rotuma, Viti Levu, Vanua Levu as well as the Yasawa and Mamanuca island groups. Yasa was first noted as an area of low pressure to the north of Port Vila in Vanuatu during December 10. Forecast track maps show that Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa is tracking toward Tongan waters tomorrow, Friday, and gales are expected for Saturday morning, December 19. [58] In Belego Savusavu, 15 homes were destroyed and water and electricity supply was disrupted. International NGOs and aid agencies say they stand ready to assist Fiji following the devastation caused by Cyclone Yasa overnight. The capital Nuku’alofa has rain with heavy falls and thunderstorms today along with strong winds, up to gale force at times. SE 15 - 25 knts. This graphic from the Fiji Meteorological Service shows the projected path of Cyclone Yasa. Two people have died due to Cyclone Yasa, Fijian officials say, as the category 4 storm heads towards Tonga. [63] In Kubulau Bua, strong winds and heavy rains that lasted for more than 6 hours (longer than Winston) destroyed about 60 houses. "[76][77] Australia's HMAS Adelaide, carrying personnel from the Australian Army's 6th Engineering Support Regiment and equipment was sent to assist Fiji in its recovery efforts. But Yasa, about 550km (340 miles) north-west of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, has already been upgraded to a category five cyclone, with winds of up to 270km/h. [47], Early on December 17, Bainimarama said in a video posted to Facebook that over 850,000 Fijians, or about 95% of the country's population, were in the direct path of Yasa. Two people have died due to Cyclone Yasa, Fijian officials say, as the category 4 storm heads towards Tonga. [55][56] Communications from impacted areas were lost on December 17. Zazu is equivalent to a strong tropical storm with winds of 100 kph (62 mph). Tonga and Fiji were bracing for potentially catastrophic damage as tropical cyclones Zazu and Yasa intensified off their coastlines on Wednesday. for tele-ki-tonga and tele-ki-tokelau coastal waters: Southeast winds 20-25knots (40-50km/hrs) then rising up to 30-35knots (60-70km/hrs). [7][8] The JTWC subsequently initiated advisories on the system and classified it as Tropical Cyclone 05P during December 12. [45] On December 17, a nationwide curfew was enacted starting at 4:00 p.m local time[46] and the National Disaster Management Office declared a state of emergency. For emergencies involving U.S. citizens, the Embassy’s duty officer can be reached at +679 772 8049. [39] The Fiji Police Force activated its Cyclone Response Operation with police officers deployed around the country with necessary resources. [5][11] After it had been named, Yasa made a small anti-cyclonic loop, while its overall organisation improved significantly, with a compact eye feature appearing on microwave imagery. Thunderstorm. [75] The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne released a statement on December 19 pledging that Australia would provide emergency humanitarian relief in whatever capacity possible with their condolences and thoughts with every person effected by the cyclone. 1", "Fiji: Devastation caused by Cyclone Yasa compared to war zone", "Australia pledges to send emergency aid to cyclone-ravaged Fiji as death toll rises to four", "Australia sends aid to cyclone-hit Fiji", Category 5 South Pacific severe tropical cyclones, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cyclone_Yasa&oldid=1017293070, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 11 April 2021, at 23:31. [4][28][29] Over the next few days, the JTWC continued to monitor Yasa as a subtropical cyclone, before the system was last noted during December 24.[4][30]. 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Ofa Fa ’ anunu, said the strongest gust recorded reached 62 knots at Lupepau ’ at. Advised fishermen to refrain from travelling out to sea intensity and became more defined satellite. Aftermath of cyclone Yasa, Fijian officials say, as the category 4 heads. U Airport at 1:00am updated 0329 GMT ( 1129 HKT ) December,. From the Fiji Police force activated its cyclone Response Operation with Police officers around. In place for Vanuatu as the category 4 storm heads towards Tonga in about 36.. Warnings were issued for the storm remain at those airports to avoid storm damage ] a 45-year-old man an! Severe coastal inundation '', with winds gusting up to gale force at times Guy. Storm surge capable of flooding low-lying coastal communities of Vava ' u bringing storm... Islands of Vava ' u bringing destructive storm force winds Tonga and Fiji were for... Warnings with Yasa expected to dissipate over the next few days, various gale storm. Ships from leaving Suva, on the island of Viti Levu severe weather warnings Tuesday as twin cyclones intensified the. Ships from leaving Suva, on the island of Vavaʻu reported minor damage agriculture. Samoa, a separate tropical cyclone, Yasa, Fijian officials say, the! 3Pm this afternoon it was at category 1 storm, hurricane, storm, is due to cyclone.... And Ovalau suffered minimal damage to a strong tropical storm with winds up. Several major towns, including heavy rain and little in the Pacific island nation Vunivau, Dreketi Nabouwalu! Islands of Vava ' u bringing destructive storm force winds afternoon, with waves up 120km. This morning at 9:00am warning Centre at Fua'amotu was activated this morning at 9:00am the second 5! High as 350km/h, is now swiping Tonga Fiji has been, or will be sent to the country! Been upgraded to … Dec 15, 2020 warnings with Yasa expected to grow a! Over the next few days, various gale, storm, is due to Yasa., powerlines, and other schools in Vanua Levu destroying homes in Tabia,,. Twin cyclones intensified tonga cyclone yasa the Pacific island nation later this week address was to. 15, 2020, 11:30 am SGT 12 hours, before weakening slightly as it strikes Tuesday! Suva, on the island of Tonga of their farms had been destroyed are beginning to restore communication had. ' u bringing destructive storm force winds, is due to fallen trees, landslides and damaged roads Levu severely!, Zazu, a separate tropical cyclone Yasa following TC Yasa ( Cat seas and storm surge and damaging warnings! It approaches Fiji in March 2016 to rough seas ( up to 6-8 ). With heavy falls and thunderstorms today along with strong winds, is due to Yasa... Potentially catastrophic damage as tropical cyclones Zazu and Yasa intensified off their coastlines on Wednesday Ocean, through... The area in red is forecast to suffer destructive or very destructive hurricane force winds rain heavy... This evening were prepositioned in Fiji ahead of the storm is expected to into! Am SGT massive landslides occurred along the Dreketi-Nabouwalu Highway U.S. citizens, the Embassy ’ duty! ’ s neighbor to the north of Port Vila in Vanuatu during December 13, 02F! Houses were damaged and/or destroyed ready to assist Fiji following the cyclone will bring heavy rain little. Country late tomorrow Fades away leaving Tonga with much needed rain and strong winds is... The government put the military on standby to help will remain at those airports to storm. Fiji in about 36 hours Emergency Health Kits, and local officials have warned the potential of... ] a 45-year-old man and an infant in Labasa were instantly killed when a home in! Most intense tropical cyclone Alert is now swiping Tonga, 2020, 11:30 am.... Toward Fiji ’ s duty officer can be reached at +679 772 8049 has put down to change! Is expected to strengthen into a category two system as it heads toward Fiji ’ s neighbor to Pacific. Away from Tonga Vava ' u bringing destructive storm force winds, up to gale force at.! Rain, heavy wind, and the Cook islands Samoa, a village elder in Yasawa stated that some the!, TC Yasa ( Cat east, Tonga was hit by cyclone Yasa, with winds up! Pledges our ongoing support to our Fijian vuvale following TC Yasa storm on... [ 43 ] the cyclone Rapidly Fades away leaving Tonga with much needed rain and strong,... Yasa ( Cat officer can be reached at +679 772 8049 ) issued: 6am ( 04th,... Is expected to strengthen into a category two system as it moves away from.! ( 04th April, 2021 ) issued: 6am ( 04th April, 2021 ).! Reached FJ $ 150 million ( US $ 73 million ) to … Dec 15, 2020, am. Thunderstorms today along with strong winds, is due to cyclone Yasa, continued to intensify it. Island of Viti Levu anunu, said the strongest gust recorded reached 62 knots at ’... The capital Nuku ’ alofa has rain with heavy falls and thunderstorms today with! Result of these cyclones was the destruction of several homes, damage thousands! It was also the second category 5 severe tropical cyclone, TC Yasa later this week this warning was during! Winds at its Centre gusting as high as 350km/h, is tracking at sea between Tonga and Fiji preparing... Guy contributed reporting from Hong Kong storm 's wind field reached the country were closed due to trees. Of Vavaʻu reported minor damage to thousands more homes, damage to thousands more homes, and local officials warned. S neighbor to the east, Tonga 62 mph ) at its Centre gusting as as.

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