Fiji Declared a State of Natural Disaster. What Does It Mean?

A state of Natural Disaster has been declared for all of Fiji as Tropical Cyclone Yasa (Category 5) is expected to make landfall on Vanua Levu this evening. The announcement was made today by National Disaster Management Office Director, Vasiti Soko.

“Effective from December 16 for 30 days, this declaration was made upon the advice of the Emergency Committee, as per the powers conferred on the Cabinet by section 17 of the Natural Disaster Management Act 1998,” said Ms. Soko.

The Declaration allows for the National Disaster Management Office to efficiently and effectively plan and coordinate the preparedness and response phases for Tropical Cyclone Yasa. “It will also assist NDMO and Government Ministries and Departments to manage and control activities to ensure the safety and security of the public,” said Ms. Soko.

Regulations

The Declaration means:

a. the evacuation of people in their own interests, or in order to facilitate the necessary operations

of the Police or Military personnel;

b. the temporary acquisition or control of any property, undertaking or land;

c. the entering and searching of any premises;

d. the supply and distribution of essential relief supplies, medical assistance, shelter or other

resources;

e. the maintenance of the means of transportation by land, sea or air and the control of the

transport of persons and resources;

f. directing the movement of persons by land, sea or air in the interest of safety; and

g. Prohibiting the unjustified exploitation of a disaster for profit.

Offences

a. Any person, body or entity who contravenes any order made by an officer of the Fiji Police Force or the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces in performing a role or discharging a responsibility under these Regulations commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both.

In this light, an announcement was made today moving curfew hours to 4pm from 11pm. Curfew will continue to end at 4am. Ms. Soko advised the public to ensure that all movement especially evacuations occur as much as possible before 4pm.

“Should members of the public require evacuation after 4pm please contact your District Office or Police Station nearest to you. In instances of emergencies, the public is advised that they may proceed as usual,” said Ms. Soko.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa (category 5) was located near 15.6 south 176.9 east or about 140 kilometres north-northwest of Yasawa-i-Rara, 245 kilometres north northwest of Nadi and 280 kilometres west-northwest of Rotuma at 8am today. Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have average winds up to 250 km/hr with momentary gusts to 350 km/hr. The cyclone is moving east-southeast at about 9 knots or 18 km/hr.

In this light, an announcement was made today moving curfew hours to 4pm from 11pm. Curfew will continue to end at 4am. Ms. Soko advised the public to ensure that all movement especially evacuations occur as much as possible before 4pm.

“Should members of the public require evacuation after 4pm please contact your District Office or Police Station nearest to you. In instances of emergencies, the public is advised that they may proceed as usual,” said Ms. Soko.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa (category 5) was located near 15.6 south 176.9 east or about 140 kilometres north-northwest of Yasawa-i-Rara, 245 kilometres north northwest of Nadi and 280 kilometres west-northwest of Rotuma at 8am today. Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have average winds up to 250 km/hr with momentary gusts to 350 km/hr. The cyclone is moving east-

southeast at about 9 knots or 18 km/hr.

Over 850,000 Fijians are in the direct path of the world’s strongest storm, Category 5 #TCYasa.

That is more than 95% of Fiji’s population.

Prepare, take cover, take care, and #PrayForFiji.

— Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) December 17, 2020