Damage sustained by Tropical Cyclone Yasa totalled $500 million, with an estimated 139,000 people in 31,000 households affected.

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu revealed the statistics on Thursday in Parliament while giving his ministerial statement, highlighting the emergency operation conducted for Cyclones Yasa and Ana.

TC Ana

Currently, he said the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) was wrapping up initial damage assessments and detailed damage assessments for communities affected by Cyclone Ana.

A total of 6500 households were assessed in the four divisions and about 31 houses confirmed as fully damaged. In the wake of the cyclone, a total of 378 evacuation centres were activated across the four divisions, with a total of 3186 evacuees sheltered.

TC Yasa

A total of 6184 houses were partially damaged while 2141 houses were completely destroyed.

1. Northern Division – 5837 partially damaged, 1862 fully destroyed
2. Eastern Division – 310 partially damaged, 277 fully destroyed
3. Western Division – 37 partially damaged, 2 fully destroyed

More than 90 schools were damaged across the country; 32 of which were prioritised for quick fixes.

The Ministry of Health recorded extensive damage to 25 of its facilities in Macuata, Cakaudrove, Bua and Taveuni.

Following a detailed Damage Assessment by the Ministry of Agriculture, they recorded total damage of more than $147 million. Out of which 94 per cent was for damage to crops, 5.4 per cent for livestock and 0.6 per cent for infrastructure.

Ongoing assistance

Minister Seruiratu reiterated that relief assistance to all affected communities were ongoing.

Since Cyclone Ana left Fiji, Government had deployed an additional 43,000 ration packs – 2000 in the West, 2000 to the Central Division and 36,000 to the North.

In addition, 3000 non-food items were deployed, which includes shelter kits, kitchen sets, water tanks, hygiene kits, water purification tablets, blankets, towels and sleeping mats among others.

“The world cannot look far enough to see how evident and severe this climate crisis is for a small island nation like Fiji. Here at home, thousands of Fijians have been exposed to the full brunt of severe weather events such as what we have experienced in the past two months,” Mr Seruiratu said.

“We must not be complacent! We must build back stronger and better and become resilient people.”

He assured Fijians that Government would do its duty and utmost best to return the country to normalcy and ensure that the lives of ordinary Fijians were protected from disasters in years to come.

Feedback:  fonua.talei@fijisun.com.fj