Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa’s death toll in Fiji climbed to four as two more deaths were reported from the category five system.
Fiji’s National Disaster Management Director Vasiti Soko confirmed the latest death, up from two yesterday.
TC Yasa’s latest victims are both males; a 50-year-old from Nalawa in Ra and a 70-year-old from Yadua in Bua.
NDMO will deploy relief outreach teams tomorrow to distribute food items and other essentials to the most affected areas in the North.
“In the meantime, teams have been out today to conduct initial damage assessment…upon the completion of which, NDMO will be able to determine the distribution of relief items – prioritising food items and relief delivery to the North,” Soko said.
Soko expressed gratitude to development partners, civil societies and faith-based organisations for their support in the provision of essentials and manpower to NDMO’s relief efforts.
Individuals and businesses keen to assist in relief works are advised to reach out to the NDMO for guidance to prevent duplication of assistance and ensure efficient use of relief resources.
Soko also confirmed an increase in the number of evacuees in the North overnight – up to 6,644 people in 128 centres from 3,657 in 78 centres as at 5pm yesterday.
Provision of assistance to maritime islands will await the go-ahead from the Fiji Meteorological Office. According to Soko, the Fiji Met Office is advising against travelling to maritime areas as strong wind warnings are still in force for the Lomaiviti, Kadavu and Lau waters.
“Fiji Met will review tomorrow and upon their clearance MSAF will advise us,” Soko said.
In the meantime, the general public is advised to boil all drinking water and ensure food items are stored away properly.
