NEW YORK (December 18, 2020) – UNICEF is working together with the Government of Fiji, civil society, and UN and NGO partners, to reach thousands of children in Fiji in urgent need after Tropical Cyclone Yasa, a category five cyclone, hit Fiji overnight, affecting Fijians across the country and causing widespread destruction in the Northern Division.

“UNICEF is on standby to provide support to the Government of Fiji to respond to the urgent needs of families and children affected by the disastrous impacts of Tropical Cyclone Yasa,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Pacific Representative. “We will work with our government, civil society and other partners to provide clean water, and emergency health and education supplies for children in affected communities.”

Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa, a category five cyclone, reaching wind speeds of up to 214 mph has caused widespread destruction, with waves of up to 46 feet destroying homes and many schools, especially in Bua, on the island of Vanua Levu in the Northern Division.

The Government of Fiji has reported 23,479 people are currently in 457 evacuation centers across the country.

Tropical Cyclone Yasa follows Tropical Cyclone Harold earlier this year, which destroyed homes, schools, crops and infrastructure in Fiji. UNICEF has continued its efforts to support children and communities in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Harold and is concerned by the potential impact of Tropical Cyclone Yasa on vulnerable children and families, especially with the ongoing pandemic.

Many communities are cut off from assistance due to flooding and destruction of roads. UNICEF is ready to transport supplies even by boat to reach communities, including those most remote. UNICEF will work in partnership with the government on reaching those families in need.

Supplies like essential water, sanitation and hygiene items, including soap, water containers and buckets, to ensure children and families have access to clean drinking water as well as emergency health and midwifery kits, including basic drugs, medical supplies and equipment, are prepositioned and ready to be distributed per needs basis.

In addition, UNICEF is ready to support communities by providing school-in-boxes and early childhood development kits including books, pencils and materials to support learning needs and help children to regain a sense of normalcy as soon as possible after the disaster.

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About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to pursue a more equitable world for every child. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

 

For more information, contact
Erica Vogel, UNICEF USA, 212.922.2480, evogel@unicefusa.org
Gabby Arias, UNICEF USA, 917.720.1306, garias@unicefusa.org