Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa
Cyclone Yasa at peak intensity on December 16
Meteorological history
FormedDecember 11, 2020
ExtratropicalDecember 19, 2020
DissipatedDecember 24, 2020
Category 5 severe tropical cyclone
10-minute sustained (FMS)
Highest winds230 km/h (145 mph)
Lowest pressure917 hPa (mbar); 27.08 inHg
Category 5-equivalent tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds260 km/h (160 mph)
Lowest pressure914 hPa (mbar); 26.99 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities4 total, 1 missing
Damage>$247 million (2020 USD)
Areas affectedVanuatu, Fiji, Tonga
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 2020–21 South Pacific cyclone season

Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa was the second Category 5 severe tropical cyclone in 2020 after Harold in the 2019–20 South Pacific cyclone season. Yasa was the second tropical disturbance, as well as the first tropical cyclone and severe tropical cyclone of the 2020–21 South Pacific cyclone season. Yasa was first noted as an area of low pressure to the north of Port Vila in Vanuatu during December 10. 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.

The system gradually moved through the South Pacific Ocean, going through a small, slow loop whilst rapidly intensifying. 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 917 hPa (27.1 inHg). This made Yasa the earliest Category 5 tropical cyclone on both the Australian and Saffir-Simpson scales in the South Pacific basin since reliable records began, beating the old record by Cyclone Zoe in 2002–03.

Yasa maintained its intensity and became more defined on satellite imagery as it bore down on Fiji. An address was sent to the entire country from the nation's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama regarding preparations for the storm. Shipping services were halted, and fishermen were advised to not go out into sea, due to fears of Yasa possibly injuring or killing them. Multiple warnings were issued, including heavy rain, heavy wind, and flood warnings. Soon, the entirety of Fiji was under warnings as Yasa neared. A high wind warning was put in place for Vanuatu as the storm's wind field reached the country. 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 impacts felt from Yasa were large and wide. As of December 22, impacted areas are beginning to restore communication. Transportation was hampered as 72 roads in the country were closed due to fallen trees, power lines, and flooding. Heavy rain was recorded in most of the country. Four deaths were confirmed, while one person remains missing.[1] Damage estimates in Fiji were calculated at a minimum total of FJ$500 million, or US$246.7 million (2020 USD).[2]

Many affected people had their access to food and water cut off following Yasa's passage through Fiji. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies provided funding and relief items to about 17,700 Fijians by December 18, and provided the Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services with supplies. Australia pledged its assistance and sent HMAS Adelaide to help with recovery efforts.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

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.[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.[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).[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.[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.[7][8] The JTWC subsequently initiated advisories on the system and classified it as Tropical Cyclone 05P during December 12.[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.[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.[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.[5][12][13] As a result, the FMS reported that the system had intensified into a Category 2 tropical cyclone, while the JTWC reported that Yasa had become equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS).[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.[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.[5]

During December 15, Yasa continued to rapidly intensify with its eye becoming well defined, before the FMS reported that the system had become the earliest Category 5 severe tropical cyclone on record.[16][17] The system subsequently turned south-eastwards as a subtropical ridge of high pressure built in from the cyclones southeast before a ridge of high pressure near the equator caused the system to start moving south-eastwards towards Fiji.[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.[4][20] Later that day, the FMS reported that Yasa had peaked with 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 230 km/h (140 mph), as well as a minimum pressure of 917 hPa (27.08 inHg), although it was operationally assessed at 250 km/h (160 mph), and a minimum pressure of 899 hPa (26.55 inHg).[21] 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.[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.[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.[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.[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.[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]

Preparations

Fiji

Yasa strengthening east of Vanuatu early on December 14

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).[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.[31] This warning was subsequently expanded during the following day to include Tropical Depression 02F and an associated convergence zone.[32] The warning was cancelled during December 13, after 02F had merged with 01F and developed into a tropical cyclone.[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.[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. Over the next few days, various gale, storm, hurricane, storm surge and damaging swell warnings were issued for the group.

On December 16, shipping services were halted and the Ministry of Fisheries strongly advised fishermen to refrain from travelling out to sea.[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.[39] The Fiji Police Force activated its Cyclone Response Operation with police officers deployed around the country with necessary resources.[40] Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama in a video address urged all Fijians to prepare for the cyclone.[41] The National Disaster Management Office posted on social media that storm surges with waves as high as 16 m (52 ft) were expected.[42] Fiji Airways said that its larger aircraft will either operate repatriation services to Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, or be ferried to Sydney or Auckland in the next two days.[43] The aircraft will remain at those airports to avoid storm damage.[44] Evacuation centers were opened nationwide and the government put the military on standby to help.[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.[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. He added that weather forecasts anticipated "severe coastal inundation", with waves up to 10 meters high. Police enforced a public ban on public transport. The state of natural disaster that was declared gave law enforcement increased power.[48]

Elsewhere

As the storm began to impact Vanuatu, a strong wind warning was put in effect for central and southern coastal areas of the country.[49]

As Yasa passed to the west of Tonga on December 18, tropical cyclone warnings were raised for the entirety of the country.[50] Officials warned of winds up to hurricane force on Tongatapu and ʻEua.[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.[50]

Impact

Fiji

Yasa nearing landfall on December 17

As Yasa moved across Fiji, a village elder in Yasawa stated that some of their farms had been destroyed.[51] Parts of Rakiraki and Labasa were flooded.[52][53] The cyclone struck Vanua Levu destroying homes in Tabia, Vunivau, Dreketi and Nabouwalu.[54] Dreketi Primary School and other schools in Vanua Levu were severely damaged.[55][56] Communications from impacted areas were lost on December 17.[57] A total of 72 roads were closed around the country as a result of fallen trees, broken powerlines, floodwaters and landslides.[58] In Belego Savusavu, 15 homes were destroyed and water and electricity supply was disrupted.[59] Parts of Bua were inaccessible due to fallen trees, landslides and damaged roads.[60] Massive landslides occurred along the Dreketi-Nabouwalu Highway.[61] According to FBC News, Labasa, Savusavu, Koro and Ovalau suffered minimal damage.[62] Across Fiji's northern regions, crops were damaged and/or destroyed.[63] In Kubulau Bua, strong winds and heavy rains that lasted for more than 6 hours (longer than Winston) destroyed about 60 houses.[64] A 45-year-old man and an infant in Labasa were killed when a home collapsed.[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.[65] Over 4,200 houses were damaged or destroyed.[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. This is a climate emergency."[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.[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.[68]

Damage to agriculture across the nation reached FJ$150 million (US$73 million).[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).[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.[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.[2]

Tonga

Since Yasa took a slightly more western track than anticipated, much of the country of Tonga was left spared by the cyclone. The Island of Vavaʻu reported minor damage to fruit crops and Kava plants.[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.[72]

Aftermath

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. 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.[73] The Ministry of Health and Medical Services was provided with Inter-Agency Emergency Health Kits, and other medical and health supplies. Many WASH kits, school in a boxes, and school boxes were stored at a warehouse in Brisbane, Australia, to be sent to Fiji. Meanwhile, some of the same supplies were prepositioned in Fiji ahead of the storm.[74] A Royal New Zealand Air Force reconnaissance flight flew over the areas affected to further assess damage; the disaster zone was compared to that of a "war zone".[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.[76] Payne further affirmed that "Throughout our long history of cooperation, Fiji and Australia have become more than just neighbors – we are family. [...] Australia pledges our ongoing support to our Fijian vuvale following TC Yasa."[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.[78]

Many families across affected areas lost access to food, and were left without it just before the Christmas season. Waves higher than 3 meters (9.8 feet) prevented ships from leaving Suva, on the island of Viti Levu. The environmental NGO 350 in Fiji's secretary, Genevieve Jiva, said that Fijians are "literally fighting for our survival" after the storm's passing.[63]

Retirement

Due to its onslaught, the name Yasa was retired from the naming list and was replaced by Yabaki.[79]

See also

References

  1. ^ "TC Yasa claims four lives". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Cyclone Yasa Damage Costs Hit $500m: Seruiratu". Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Significant Tropical Weather Advisory December 10, 2020 06z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 10, 2020. Archived from the original on December 14, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "JTWC Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Running Best Track Analysis". United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 2020. Archived from the original on May 30, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Fiji Climate Summary: December 2020 Volume 41: Issue 12 (PDF) (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. January 8, 2020. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
  6. ^ Tropical Disturbance Summary December 11, 2020 00z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. December 11, 2020. Archived from the original on December 13, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  7. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory 1 December 12, 2020 00z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. December 12, 2020. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  8. ^ Tropical Cyclone 04P Warning 5 December 12, 2020 03z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 12, 2020. Archived from the original on December 16, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  9. ^ Tropical Cyclone 05P Warning Number 1 December 12, 2020 15z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 12, 2020. Archived from the original on December 15, 2020.
  10. ^ Tropical Cyclone 05P Warning Number 3 December 13, 2020 03z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 13, 2020. Archived from the original on December 18, 2020.
  11. ^ Tropical Cyclone Naming Bulletin December 13, 2020 12z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. December 13, 2020. Archived from the original on December 13, 2020. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  12. ^ a b Tropical Disturbance Advisory B5 December 14, 2020 03z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. December 14, 2020. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  13. ^ Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 6 December 13, 2020 21z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 13, 2020. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020.
  14. ^ Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 7 December 14, 2020 03z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 14, 2020. Archived from the original on December 20, 2020.
  15. ^ Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 10 December 14, 2020 21z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 14, 2020. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020.
  16. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory B10 December 15, 2020 15z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. December 15, 2020. Archived from the original on December 20, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  17. ^ Weekly Tropical Climate Note December 22, 2020 (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. December 22, 2020. Archived from the original on December 23, 2020. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
  18. ^ Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 11 December 15, 2020 03z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 15, 2020. Archived from the original on December 20, 2020.
  19. ^ Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 14 December 15, 2020 21z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 14, 2020. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020.
  20. ^ Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 15 December 16, 2020 03z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 14, 2020. Archived from the original on December 21, 2020.
  21. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 16, 2020 18z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. December 16, 2020. Archived from the original on December 16, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  22. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 17, 2020 00z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. December 17, 2020. Archived from the original on December 21, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  23. ^ "TC Yasa makes landfall ahead of schedule". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. December 17, 2020. Archived from the original on December 23, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  24. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 17, 2020 12z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. December 17, 2020. Archived from the original on December 21, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  25. ^ a b c Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 22 December 17, 2020 21z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 17, 2020. Archived from the original on December 21, 2020.
  26. ^ Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 23 December 18, 2020 03z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 18, 2020. Archived from the original on December 21, 2020.
  27. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 18, 2020 00z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. December 18, 2020. Archived from the original on December 21, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  28. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 19, 2020 21z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. December 19, 2020. Archived from the original on December 23, 2020. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
  29. ^ Tropical Cyclone Potential Bulletin December 19, 2020 21z (Report). Meteorological Service of New Zealand. December 19, 2020. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020.
  30. ^ Significant Tropical Weather Advisory December 21, 2020 06z (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 21, 2020. Archived from the original on December 23, 2020.
  31. ^ a b Special Weather Bulletin for Fiji and Rotuma Number 1 December 11, 2020 09z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. December 11, 2020. Archived from the original on December 15, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  32. ^ Special Weather Bulletin for Fiji and Rotuma Number 10 December 12, 2020 19z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. December 11, 2020.
  33. ^ Special Weather Bulletin for Fiji and Rotuma Number 20 December 13, 2020 12z (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. December 13, 2020. Archived from the original on December 15, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  34. ^ Timoci Vula (December 15, 2020). "Weather watch: TC Yasa moves East at 5 knots; heavy rain alert remains". fijitimes.com. The Fiji Times. Archived from the original on December 14, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  35. ^ Vijay Narayan, Naveel Krishant (December 15, 2020). "Warnings issued for most parts of Fiji as TC Yasa expected to loop and head towards us". fijivillage.com. Fijivillage. Archived from the original on December 16, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  36. ^ "Shipping companies urged to take heed of advisory". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 15, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  37. ^ "Fijians to adhere to all public advisories". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 15, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  38. ^ "Schools to close, external exams to continue". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 15, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  39. ^ Nand, Edwin. "Authorities warn Fijians to take precautions". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  40. ^ "Police activates Cyclone Response Operations as TC Yasa moves closer". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 16, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  41. ^ "Bainimarama urges Fijians to prepare for TC Yasa". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 15, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  42. ^ Fiji National Disaster Management Office [@FijiNDMO] (December 16, 2020). "PUBLIC ADVISORY 4 Coastal dwellers will have to expect storm surge with waves as high as 16 m. #TCYasa #FijiNews #DisasterPreparedness" (Tweet). Retrieved December 16, 2020 – via Twitter.
  43. ^ Fijivillage. "Fiji Airways planes to be flown or ferried out of Fiji". www.fijivillage.com. Archived from the original on December 16, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  44. ^ "Impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa On Fiji Airways and Fiji Link Flights". Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  45. ^ "Fijians brace as Cyclone Yasa continues to strengthen". RNZ. December 16, 2020. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  46. ^ Fijivillage. "Curfew to start from 4pm today". www.fijivillage.com. Archived from the original on December 16, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  47. ^ "State of Natural Disaster declared for Fiji". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  48. ^ "Fiji under curfew as powerful Cyclone Yasa makes landfall". CNN. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  49. ^ ECHO (December 15, 2020). "Vanuatu, Fiji - Tropical Cyclone YASA update (DG ECHO, GDACS, JTWC, MET Fiji, VMGD) (ECHO Daily Flash of 15 December 2020)". reliefweb.int. ReliefWeb. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  50. ^ a b c "Tropical Cyclone Advisory Number 8 for Tonga on Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa (Category 3) | Government of Tonga". Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  51. ^ Fijivillage. "Yasawa currently feeling the impacts of TC Yasa". www.fijivillage.com. Archived from the original on December 16, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  52. ^ "Flooding expected to worsen in Rakiraki". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  53. ^ "Labasa situation described as worse than TC Winston". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  54. ^ Fijivillage. "TC Yasa leaves a trail of destruction in Vanua Levu". www.fijivillage.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  55. ^ Indra Singh. "Akbar aware of Dreketi Primary School damage". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  56. ^ Fijivillage. "Some schools in Vanua Levu have suffered extensive damages". www.fijivillage.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  57. ^ "Devastation, Mayhem In Vanua Levu In TC Yasa's Trail". Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  58. ^ "72 roads closed around the country". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  59. ^ "15 homes in Belego affected by TC Yasa". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  60. ^ "Some places in Bua still inaccessible". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 18, 2020. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  61. ^ "Massive landslides along Dreketi-Nabouwalu Highway". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 18, 2020. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  62. ^ "Widespread damage in parts of Vanua Levu". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 18, 2020. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  63. ^ a b Mogul, Rhea (December 17, 2020). "Cyclone Yasa rips through Fiji, killing at least 2 people and destroying homes". CNN. Archived from the original on December 18, 2020. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  64. ^ "Massive damage in Kubulau, Bua". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  65. ^ a b Guzman, Joseph (December 18, 2020). "Powerful Cyclone Yasa is a 'climate emergency' in Fiji". The Hill. Archived from the original on December 18, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  66. ^ a b "Tropical cyclone Yasa". ACAPS. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  67. ^ a b "Cyclone Yasa leaves thousands homeless in Fiji". World Socialist Web Site. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  68. ^ "Cyclone Yasa: Fijian islands in disarray from 'monster' storm, extent of damage unclear". Stuff. December 19, 2020. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  69. ^ Chute, Ian (January 26, 2021). "Yasa crop damage at $150m". The Fiji Times. Archived from the original on February 5, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  70. ^ Rabonu, Inoke (January 13, 2021). "$7m Plus Electricity Damage After Yasa". Fiji Sun. Archived from the original on January 21, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  71. ^ Nanuqa, Josaia (December 29, 2020). "Damaged Health facilities bill pegged at around $2.5m". FBC News. Archived from the original on December 28, 2020. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
  72. ^ a b "90 in quarantine move from Makeke during Yasa cyclone alert". Matangitonga. December 21, 2020. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  73. ^ IFRC (December 17, 2020). "Extensive destruction reported as Cyclone Yasa slams into Fiji". reliefweb.int. ReliefWeb. Archived from the original on December 18, 2020. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  74. ^ UNICEF (December 15–17, 2020). "Pacific Islands Tropical Cyclone Yasa Humanitarian Situation Report No. 1" (PDF). reliefweb.int. ReliefWeb. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 12, 2022. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  75. ^ "Fiji: Devastation caused by Cyclone Yasa compared to war zone". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  76. ^ a b "Australia pledges to send emergency aid to cyclone-ravaged Fiji as death toll rises to four". SBS News. December 19, 2020. Archived from the original on December 20, 2020. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  77. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Yasa". Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Women. December 19, 2020. Archived from the original on January 14, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  78. ^ "Australia sends aid to cyclone-hit Fiji". The West Australian. December 23, 2020. Archived from the original on December 29, 2020. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  79. ^ RA V Tropical Cyclone Committee (2023). Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan for the South-East Indian Ocean and the Southern Pacific Ocean 2023 (PDF) (Report). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved October 23, 2023.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cyclone Yasa.
Tropical cyclones of the 2020–21 South Pacific cyclone season
Retired South Pacific cyclone names
Category 5 South Pacific severe tropical cyclones
Categories