Cyclone Yasa

{{Infobox weather event

| name = Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa

| image = Yasa 2020-12-16 0215Z.jpg

| caption = Cyclone Yasa at peak intensity on December 16

| formed = December 11, 2020

| dissipated = December 24, 2020

| extratropical = December 19, 2020

}}

{{Infobox weather event/FMS

| winds = 125

| pressure = 917

}}

{{Infobox weather event/JTWC

| winds = 140

| pressure = 914

}}

{{Infobox weather event/Effects

| year = 2020

| damages = 245000000

| fatalities = 4

| missing = 1

| affected = {{hlist|Vanuatu|Fiji|Tonga}}

}}

{{Infobox weather event/Footer

| season = 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 {{convert|260|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and a minimum pressure of {{convert|917|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}. 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 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.{{Cite web|title=TC Yasa claims four lives|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/two-more-confirmed-dead-due-to-tc-yasa-2/|access-date=December 18, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}} Damage in Fiji were calculated at FJ$500 million, or $245 million (2020 USD).{{Cite web|title=Cyclone Yasa Damage Costs Hit $500m: Seruiratu|url=https://fijisun.com.fj/2021/02/13/cyclone-yasa-damage-costs-hit-500m-seruiratu/|access-date=2021-02-14|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213132052/https://fijisun.com.fj/2021/02/13/cyclone-yasa-damage-costs-hit-500m-seruiratu/|url-status=live}}

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

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 {{convert|655|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the north of Port Vila in Vanuatu.{{cite report|date=December 10, 2020|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory December 10, 2020 06z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214150045/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-10-0600-abpwweb.txt|archive-date=December 14, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|date=December 2020|title=JTWC Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Running Best Track Analysis|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url=https://www.nrlmry.navy.mil//tcdat/tc2021/SH/SH052021/txt/trackfile.txt|access-date=2020-12-20|archive-date=2021-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530013743/https://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tcdat/tc2021/SH/SH052021/txt/trackfile.txt|url-status=dead}} At this stage, the disturbance had a broad and fully exposed low level circulation, with little to no atmospheric convection surrounding the system. 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 {{convert|29|-|30|C|F|abbr=on}}. 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.{{cite report|date=January 8, 2020|title=Fiji Climate Summary: December 2020 Volume 41: Issue 12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108155943/https://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/Climate_Products/December%202020climateSum2021.01.08%2020.09.59.pdf|archive-date=January 8, 2021|access-date=January 12, 2020|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/Climate_Products/December%202020climateSum2021.01.08%2020.09.59.pdf}}{{cite report|date=December 11, 2020|title=Tropical Disturbance Summary December 11, 2020 00z|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=warn1#20036.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 13, 2020|access-date=December 13, 2020|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213024641/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20201211/000000/A_WWPS21NFFN110000_C_RJTD_20201211023517_23.txt}} 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.{{cite report|date=December 12, 2020|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory 1 December 12, 2020 00z|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=warn1#20036.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 13, 2021|access-date=December 13, 2020|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211213123029/https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=warn1%2320008.txt#20036.txt}}{{cite report|date=December 12, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone 04P Warning 5 December 12, 2020 03z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216033743/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-12-0320-sh0421web.txt|archive-date=December 16, 2020|access-date=December 16, 2020}} The JTWC subsequently initiated advisories on the system and classified it as Tropical Cyclone 05P during December 12.{{cite report|date=December 12, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone 05P Warning Number 1 December 12, 2020 15z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215020531/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-12-1500-sh0521web.txt|archive-date=December 15, 2020|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite report|date=December 13, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone 05P Warning Number 3 December 13, 2020 03z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218042512/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-13-0310-sh0521web.txt|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt}}

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.{{Cite report|archive-date=December 13, 2020|access-date=December 14, 2020|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213154934/https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/nw/nwps01.nffn..txt|title=Tropical Cyclone Naming Bulletin December 13, 2020 12z|date=December 13, 2020|url=https://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/nw/nwps01.nffn..txt|url-status=dead}} 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.{{Cite report|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=warn1#20005.txt|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory B5 December 14, 2020 03z|archive-date=December 19, 2020|url-status=dead|date=December 14, 2020|access-date=December 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219022536/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20201214/030000/A_WTPS12NFFN140300_C_RJTD_20201214033505_21.txt}}{{cite report|date=December 13, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 6 December 13, 2020 21z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219022722/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-13-2130-sh0521web.txt|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt}} 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). 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.{{cite report|date=December 14, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 7 December 14, 2020 03z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220031046/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-14-0310-sh0521web.txt|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt}}{{cite report|date=December 14, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 10 December 14, 2020 21z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219221348/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-14-2140-sh0521web.txt|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt}} 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.

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.{{Cite report|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|url=https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=warn1#20005.txt|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory B10 December 15, 2020 15z|archive-date=December 20, 2020|date=December 15, 2020|url-status=dead|access-date=December 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220002851/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20201215/150000/A_WTPS12NFFN151500_C_RJTD_20201215154202_39.txt}}{{Cite report|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/tropical-note/archive/20201222.archive.shtml|title=Weekly Tropical Climate Note December 22, 2020|archive-date=December 23, 2020|date=December 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223005818/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/tropical-note/archive/20201222.archive.shtml|url-status=live|access-date=December 23, 2020}} 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.{{cite report|date=December 15, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 11 December 15, 2020 03z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220030604/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-15-0300-sh0521web.txt|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt}}{{cite report|date=December 14, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 14 December 15, 2020 21z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219221348/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-14-2140-sh0521web.txt|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt}}

The JTWC reported that Yasa had peaked with 1-minute sustained wind speeds of {{convert|260|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, which made it equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane on the SSHWS during December 16.{{cite report|date=December 14, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 15 December 16, 2020 03z|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221011522/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-16-0140-sh0521web.txt|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt}} Later that day, the FMS reported that Yasa had peaked with maximum 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|230|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, as well as a minimum pressure of {{convert|917|hPa|inHg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}}, although it was operationally assessed at {{convert|250|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, and a minimum pressure of {{convert|899|hPa|inHg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}}.{{cite report|date=December 16, 2020|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 16, 2020 18z|url=https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20201216/180000/A_WTPS12NFFN161800_C_RJTD_20201216195317_85.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 16, 2020|access-date=December 16, 2020|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216234219/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20201211/210000/A_WWPS21NFFN112100_C_RJTD_20201211233532_35.txt}} 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.{{cite report|date=December 17, 2020|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 17, 2020 00z|url=https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20201217/000000/A_WTPS12NFFN170000_C_RJTD_20201217014217_25.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 21, 2020|access-date=December 21, 2020|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221022543/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20201217/000000/A_WTPS12NFFN170000_C_RJTD_20201217014217_25.txt}}{{Cite news|date=December 17, 2020|title=TC Yasa makes landfall ahead of schedule|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/tc-yasa-makes-landfall-ahead-of-schedule/|access-date=December 17, 2020|agency=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|archive-date=December 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223042306/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/tc-yasa-makes-landfall-ahead-of-schedule/|url-status=live}}

After it had made landfall, Yasa's eye became cloud-filled and dissipated, as it completed an eyewall replacement cycle over Vanua Levu.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 17, 2020 12z|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|url=https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20201217/120000/A_WTPS12NFFN171200_C_RJTD_20201217134416_3.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 21, 2020|access-date=December 21, 2020|date=December 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221025020/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20201217/120000/A_WTPS12NFFN171200_C_RJTD_20201217134416_3.txt}}{{cite report|date=December 17, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 22 December 17, 2020 21z|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 21, 2020|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221032738/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-17-2050-sh0521web.txt|url=https://archive.org/download/jtwc-archive-txt-2020-partial-09-12/2020-12-17-2050-sh0521web.txt}} 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. 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.{{cite report|date=December 18, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone 05P (Yasa) Warning Number 23 December 18, 2020 03z|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 21, 2020|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221045340/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-18-0220-sh0521web.txt|url=https://archive.org/download/jtwc-archive-txt-2020-partial-09-12/2020-12-18-0220-sh0521web.txt}}{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 18, 2020 00z|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|url=https://archive.org/download/jtwc-archive-txt-2020-partial-09-12/2020-12-18-0220-sh0521web.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 21, 2020|access-date=December 21, 2020|date=December 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221045340/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-18-0220-sh0521web.txt}} Over the next couple of days, the system gradually weakened further, as it brushed Tonga, before it was classified as a former tropical cyclone by the FMS during December 19 as it degenerated into an extratropical low.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory December 19, 2020 21z|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|url=https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20201219/210000/A_WTPS12NFFN192100_C_RJTD_20201219202618_74.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 23, 2020|access-date=December 23, 2020|date=December 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223010126/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20201219/210000/A_WTPS12NFFN192100_C_RJTD_20201219202618_74.txt}}{{cite report|url-status=dead|date=December 19, 2020|title=Tropical Cyclone Potential Bulletin December 19, 2020 21z|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219231150/https://www.metservice.com/warnings/tropical-cyclone-activity|publisher=Meteorological Service of New Zealand|archive-date=December 19, 2020|url=https://www.metservice.com/warnings/tropical-cyclone-activity}} Over the next few days, the JTWC continued to monitor Yasa as a subtropical cyclone, before the system was last noted during December 24.{{cite report|date=December 21, 2020|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory December 21, 2020 06z|archive-date=December 23, 2020|publisher=United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223010805/https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2020-12-21-0640-abpwweb.txt|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abpwweb.txt|url-status=dead}}

Preparations

=Fiji=

File:Yasa 2020-12-14 0210Z.jpg 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 {{convert|60|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}}.{{cite report|date=December 11, 2020|title=Special Weather Bulletin for Fiji and Rotuma Number 1 December 11, 2020 09z|url=https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20201211/030000/A_WWFJ40NFFN110300_C_RJTD_20201211055716_16.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 15, 2020|access-date=December 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215013936/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20201211/030000/A_WWFJ40NFFN110300_C_RJTD_20201211055716_16.txt|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service}} 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. This warning was subsequently expanded during the following day to include Tropical Depression 02F and an associated convergence zone.{{cite report|date=December 11, 2020|title=Special Weather Bulletin for Fiji and Rotuma Number 10 December 12, 2020 19z|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service}} The warning was cancelled during December 13, after 02F had merged with 01F and developed into a tropical cyclone.{{cite report|date=December 13, 2020|title=Special Weather Bulletin for Fiji and Rotuma Number 20 December 13, 2020 12z|url=https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20201211/030000/A_WWFJ40NFFN110300_C_RJTD_20201211055716_16.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 15, 2020|access-date=December 15, 2020|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215014545/https://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/NFFN/Alphanumeric/Warning/Warnings_and_weather_summary/20201213/120000/A_WWFJ40NFFN131200_C_RJTD_20201213131917_35.txt}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fijitimes.com/weather-watch-tc-yasa-moves-east-at-5-knots-heavy-rain-alert-remains/|title=Weather watch: TC Yasa moves East at 5 knots; heavy rain alert remains|author=Timoci Vula|publisher=The Fiji Times|website=fijitimes.com|date=December 15, 2020|access-date=December 15, 2020|archive-date=December 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214232423/https://www.fijitimes.com/weather-watch-tc-yasa-moves-east-at-5-knots-heavy-rain-alert-remains/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/-Heavy-rain-alert-for-most-parts-of-Fiji-as-TC-Yasa-expected-to-loop-and-head-towards-Fiji-x4f85r/|title=Warnings issued for most parts of Fiji as TC Yasa expected to loop and head towards us|author=Vijay Narayan, Naveel Krishant|publisher=Fijivillage|website=fijivillage.com|date=December 15, 2020|access-date=December 15, 2020|archive-date=December 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216033315/https://www.fijivillage.com/news/-Heavy-rain-alert-for-most-parts-of-Fiji-as-TC-Yasa-expected-to-loop-and-head-towards-Fiji-x4f85r/|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|title=Shipping companies urged to take heed of advisory|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/shipping-companies-urged-to-take-heed-of-advisory/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215050513/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/shipping-companies-urged-to-take-heed-of-advisory/ |archive-date=2020-12-15 |access-date=December 15, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}}{{Cite web|title=Fijians to adhere to all public advisories|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fijians-to-adhere-to-all-public-advisories/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215051229/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fijians-to-adhere-to-all-public-advisories/ |archive-date=2020-12-15 |access-date=December 15, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}} The Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts ordered the closure of all schools as schools would be used as evacuation centers{{Cite web|title=Schools to close, external exams to continue|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/schools-to-close-external-exams-to-continue/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215045622/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/schools-to-close-external-exams-to-continue/ |archive-date=2020-12-15 |access-date=December 15, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}} and an Emergency Operations Center was activated by the National Disaster Management Office.{{Cite web|last=Nand|first=Edwin|title=Authorities warn Fijians to take precautions|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/natural-disaster/authorities-warn-fijians-to-take-precautions/|access-date=December 15, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}} The Fiji Police Force activated its Cyclone Response Operation with police officers deployed around the country with necessary resources.{{Cite web|title=Police activates Cyclone Response Operations as TC Yasa moves closer|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/police-activates-cyclone-response-operations-as-tc-yasa-moves-closer/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216050751/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/police-activates-cyclone-response-operations-as-tc-yasa-moves-closer/ |archive-date=2020-12-16 |access-date=December 16, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}} Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama in a video address urged all Fijians to prepare for the cyclone.{{Cite web|title=Bainimarama urges Fijians to prepare for TC Yasa|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/bainimarama-urges-fijians-to-prepare-for-tc-yasa/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215025858/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/bainimarama-urges-fijians-to-prepare-for-tc-yasa/|archive-date=December 15, 2020|access-date=December 15, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}} The National Disaster Management Office posted on social media that storm surges with waves as high as {{cvt|16|m|ft}} were expected.{{Cite tweet |author=Fiji National Disaster Management Office |user=FijiNDMO |number=1339105200355778560 |date=December 16, 2020 |title=PUBLIC ADVISORY 4 Coastal dwellers will have to expect storm surge with waves as high as 16 m. #TCYasa #FijiNews #DisasterPreparedness |access-date=December 16, 2020}} 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.{{Cite web|last=Fijivillage|title=Fiji Airways planes to be flown or ferried out of Fiji|url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Fiji-Airways-planes-to-be-flown-or-ferried-out-of-Fiji-5fr84x/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216053642/https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Fiji-Airways-planes-to-be-flown-or-ferried-out-of-Fiji-5fr84x/ |archive-date=2020-12-16 |access-date=December 16, 2020|website=www.fijivillage.com|language=en}} The aircraft will remain at those airports to avoid storm damage.{{Cite web|title=Impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa On Fiji Airways and Fiji Link Flights|url=https://fijisun.com.fj/2020/12/16/impact-of-severe-tropical-cyclone-yasa-on-fiji-airways-and-fiji-link-flights/|access-date=December 16, 2020|language=en-US}} Evacuation centers were opened nationwide and the government put the military on standby to help.{{Cite web|date=December 16, 2020|title=Fijians brace as Cyclone Yasa continues to strengthen|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/433007/fijians-brace-as-cyclone-yasa-continues-to-strengthen|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126044805/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/433007/fijians-brace-as-cyclone-yasa-continues-to-strengthen|archive-date=January 26, 2021|access-date=December 16, 2020|website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} On December 17, a nationwide curfew was enacted starting at 4:00 p.m local time{{Cite web|last=Fijivillage|title=Curfew to start from 4pm today|url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Announcement-on-new-curfew-hours-soon-4xf8r5/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216233926/https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Announcement-on-new-curfew-hours-soon-4xf8r5/ |archive-date=2020-12-16 |access-date=December 17, 2020|website=www.fijivillage.com|language=en}} and the National Disaster Management Office declared a state of emergency.{{Cite web|title=State of Natural Disaster declared for Fiji|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/state-of-emergency-declared-for-fiji/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217023539/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/state-of-emergency-declared-for-fiji/ |archive-date=2020-12-17 |access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}}

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.{{Cite web|title=Fiji under curfew as powerful Cyclone Yasa makes landfall|url-status=live|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/17/weather/cyclone-yasa-fiji-curfew-intl-hnk/index.html|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217070410/https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/17/weather/cyclone-yasa-fiji-curfew-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=2020-12-17 }}

=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.{{Cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/vanuatu-fiji-tropical-cyclone-yasa-update-dg-echo-gdacs-jtwc-met-fiji-vmgd-echo-daily|title=Vanuatu, Fiji - Tropical Cyclone YASA update (DG ECHO, GDACS, JTWC, MET Fiji, VMGD) (ECHO Daily Flash of 15 December 2020)|author=ECHO|publisher=ReliefWeb|website=reliefweb.int|date=December 15, 2020|access-date=December 16, 2020|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126063457/https://reliefweb.int/report/vanuatu/vanuatu-fiji-tropical-cyclone-yasa-update-dg-echo-gdacs-jtwc-met-fiji-vmgd-echo-daily|url-status=live}}

As Yasa passed to the west of Tonga on December 18, tropical cyclone warnings were raised for the entirety of the country.{{Cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone Advisory Number 8 for Tonga on Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa (Category 3) {{!}} Government of Tonga|url=https://www.gov.to/press-release/tropical-cyclone-advisory-number-8-for-tonga-on-severe-tropical-cyclone-yasa-category-3/|access-date=2020-12-22|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629152209/https://www.gov.to/press-release/tropical-cyclone-advisory-number-8-for-tonga-on-severe-tropical-cyclone-yasa-category-3/|url-status=live}} Officials warned of winds up to hurricane force on Tongatapu and ʻEua. 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.

Impact

=Fiji=

File:Yasa 2020-12-17 0200Z.jpg

As Yasa moved across Fiji, a village elder in Yasawa stated that some of their farms had been destroyed.{{Cite web|last=Fijivillage|title=Yasawa currently feeling the impacts of TC Yasa|url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Yasawa-currently-feeling-the-impacts-of-TC-Yasa-84rfx5/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216192720/https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Yasawa-currently-feeling-the-impacts-of-TC-Yasa-84rfx5/ |archive-date=2020-12-16 |access-date=December 16, 2020|website=www.fijivillage.com|language=en}} Parts of Rakiraki and Labasa were flooded.{{Cite web|title=Flooding expected to worsen in Rakiraki|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/flooding-expected-to-worsen-in-rakiraki/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217070348/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/flooding-expected-to-worsen-in-rakiraki/ |archive-date=2020-12-17 |access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}}{{Cite web|title=Labasa situation described as worse than TC Winston|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/labasa-situation-described-as-worse-than-tc-winston/|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}} The cyclone struck Vanua Levu destroying homes in Tabia, Vunivau, Dreketi and Nabouwalu.{{Cite web|last=Fijivillage|title=TC Yasa leaves a trail of destruction in Vanua Levu|url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/TC-Yasa-leaves-a-trail-of-destruction-in-Vanua-Levu-854xrf/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217193012/https://www.fijivillage.com/news/TC-Yasa-leaves-a-trail-of-destruction-in-Vanua-Levu-854xrf/ |archive-date=2020-12-17 |access-date=December 17, 2020|website=www.fijivillage.com|language=en}} Dreketi Primary School and other schools in Vanua Levu were severely damaged.{{Cite web|author=Indra Singh |title=Akbar aware of Dreketi Primary School damage|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/akbar-aware-of-dreketi-high-school-damage/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217093149/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/akbar-aware-of-dreketi-high-school-damage/ |archive-date=2020-12-17 |access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}}{{Cite web|last=Fijivillage|title=Some schools in Vanua Levu have suffered extensive damages|url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Some-schools-in-Vanua-Levu-have-suffered-extensive-damages-x58fr4/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217190657/https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Some-schools-in-Vanua-Levu-have-suffered-extensive-damages-x58fr4/ |archive-date=2020-12-17 |access-date=December 17, 2020|website=www.fijivillage.com|language=en}} Communications from impacted areas were lost on December 17.{{Cite web|title=Devastation, Mayhem In Vanua Levu In TC Yasa's Trail|url=https://fijisun.com.fj/2020/12/18/devastation-mayhem-in-vanua-levu-in-tc-yasas-trail/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222122535/https://fijisun.com.fj/2020/12/18/devastation-mayhem-in-vanua-levu-in-tc-yasas-trail/ |archive-date=2020-12-22 |access-date=December 17, 2020|language=en-US}} A total of 72 roads were closed around the country as a result of fallen trees, broken powerlines, floodwaters and landslides.{{Cite web|title=72 roads closed around the country|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/72-roads-closed-around-the-country/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217190033/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/72-roads-closed-around-the-country/ |archive-date=2020-12-17 |access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}} In Belego Savusavu, 15 homes were destroyed and water and electricity supply was disrupted.{{Cite web|title=15 homes in Belego affected by TC Yasa|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/15-homes-in-belego-affected-by-tc-yasa/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217211410/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/15-homes-in-belego-affected-by-tc-yasa/ |archive-date=2020-12-17 |access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}} Parts of Bua were inaccessible due to fallen trees, landslides and damaged roads.{{Cite web|title=Some places in Bua still inaccessible|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/some-places-in-bua-still-inaccessible/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218215542/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/some-places-in-bua-still-inaccessible/ |archive-date=2020-12-18 |access-date=December 18, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}} Massive landslides occurred along the Dreketi-Nabouwalu Highway.{{Cite web|title=Massive landslides along Dreketi-Nabouwalu Highway|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/massive-landslides-along-dreketi-nabouwalu-highway/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218202158/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/massive-landslides-along-dreketi-nabouwalu-highway/ |archive-date=2020-12-18 |access-date=December 18, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}} According to FBC News, Labasa, Savusavu, Koro and Ovalau suffered minimal damage.{{Cite web|title=Widespread damage in parts of Vanua Levu|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/widespread-damage-in-parts-of-vanua-levu/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218081738/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/widespread-damage-in-parts-of-vanua-levu/ |archive-date=2020-12-18 |access-date=December 18, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}} Across Fiji's northern regions, crops were damaged and/or destroyed.{{Cite web|last=Mogul|first=Rhea|date=December 17, 2020|access-date=December 18, 2020|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/17/weather/cyclone-yasa-damage-intl-hnk/index.html|website=CNN|title=Cyclone Yasa rips through Fiji, killing at least 2 people and destroying homes|archive-date=December 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218061716/https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/17/weather/cyclone-yasa-damage-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}} In Kubulau Bua, strong winds and heavy rains that lasted for more than 6 hours (longer than Winston) destroyed about 60 houses.{{Cite web|title=Massive damage in Kubulau, Bua|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/massive-damage-in-kubulau-bua/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219072505/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/tc-yasa/massive-damage-in-kubulau-bua/ |archive-date=2020-12-19 |access-date=December 19, 2020|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation}} A 45-year-old man and an infant in Labasa were killed when a home collapsed.{{Cite web|last=Guzman|first=Joseph|date=2020-12-18|title=Powerful Cyclone Yasa is a 'climate emergency' in Fiji|url=https://thehill.com/changing-america/sustainability/environment/530846-powerful-cyclone-yasa-is-a-climate-emergency-in|access-date=2020-12-19|website=The Hill|language=en|archive-date=2020-12-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218175519/https://thehill.com/changing-america/sustainability/environment/530846-powerful-cyclone-yasa-is-a-climate-emergency-in|url-status=live}} More than 93,000 Fijians – over 10% of the population{{Cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Yasa|url=https://www.acaps.org/country/fiji/crisis/tropical-cyclone-yasa|access-date=2021-03-30|website=ACAPS|language=en|archive-date=2021-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308110254/https://www.acaps.org/country/fiji/crisis/tropical-cyclone-yasa|url-status=live}} – were impacted by the storm, and around 23,000 were required to go to evacuation centers. Over 4,200 houses were damaged or destroyed. 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."{{Cite web|title=Cyclone Yasa leaves thousands homeless in Fiji|url=https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/12/19/fiji-d19.html|access-date=2020-12-19|website=World Socialist Web Site|language=en|archive-date=2020-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219032553/https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/12/19/fiji-d19.html|url-status=live}} Reports showed that much of the homes in villages were completely destroyed and crops were flattened by the extensive wind brought in by Yasa. 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.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-19|title=Cyclone Yasa: Fijian islands in disarray from 'monster' storm, extent of damage unclear|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/300188717/cyclone-yasa-fijian-islands-in-disarray-from-monster-storm-extent-of-damage-unclear|access-date=2020-12-19|website=Stuff|language=en|archive-date=2020-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219160750/https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/300188717/cyclone-yasa-fijian-islands-in-disarray-from-monster-storm-extent-of-damage-unclear|url-status=live}}

A damage survey performed in February 2021 indicated that the total damage reached FJ$500 million (US$245 million), in which FJ$147 million (US$72.1 million) was agricultural damage. A total of 2,141 homes completely destroyed and another 6,184 partially damaged.

=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.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-21|title=90 in quarantine move from Makeke during Yasa cyclone alert|url=https://matangitonga.to/2020/12/21/90-quarantine-move-makeke-during-yasa-cyclone-alert|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Matangitonga|language=en|archive-date=2021-11-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119111237/https://matangitonga.to/2020/12/21/90-quarantine-move-makeke-during-yasa-cyclone-alert|url-status=live}} 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.

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.{{Cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/extensive-destruction-reported-cyclone-yasa-slams-fiji|title=Extensive destruction reported as Cyclone Yasa slams into Fiji|author=IFRC|publisher=ReliefWeb|website=reliefweb.int|date=December 17, 2020|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218120523/https://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/extensive-destruction-reported-cyclone-yasa-slams-fiji|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/UNICEF%20Pacific%20Islands%20Humanitarian%20Situation%20Report%20No.%201%20%28Tropical%20Cyclone%20Yasa%29%20-%2015-17%20December%202020.pdf|title=Pacific Islands Tropical Cyclone Yasa Humanitarian Situation Report No. 1|author=UNICEF|publisher=ReliefWeb|website=reliefweb.int|date=December 15–17, 2020|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=February 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212051615/https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/UNICEF%20Pacific%20Islands%20Humanitarian%20Situation%20Report%20No.%201%20%28Tropical%20Cyclone%20Yasa%29%20-%2015-17%20December%202020.pdf|url-status=live}} 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".{{Cite web|title=Fiji: Devastation caused by Cyclone Yasa compared to war zone|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/19/fiji-cyclone-yasa-war-zone|access-date=2020-12-19|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-date=2020-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219075607/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/19/fiji-cyclone-yasa-war-zone|url-status=live}} 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. 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."{{cite web|title=Australia pledges to send emergency aid to cyclone-ravaged Fiji as death toll rises to four|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australia-pledges-to-send-emergency-aid-to-cyclone-ravaged-fiji-as-death-toll-rises-to-four|website=SBS News|date=December 19, 2020|access-date=December 20, 2020|archive-date=December 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220012557/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australia-pledges-to-send-emergency-aid-to-cyclone-ravaged-fiji-as-death-toll-rises-to-four|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone Yasa|url=https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/marise-payne/media-release/tropical-cyclone-yasa|publisher=Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Women|date=December 19, 2020|access-date=December 20, 2020|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114134724/https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/marise-payne/media-release/tropical-cyclone-yasa|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-23|title=Australia sends aid to cyclone-hit Fiji|url=https://thewest.com.au/news/weather/australia-sends-aid-to-cyclone-hit-fiji-ng-s-2043106|access-date=2020-12-28|website=The West Australian|language=en|archive-date=2020-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229060942/https://thewest.com.au/news/weather/australia-sends-aid-to-cyclone-hit-fiji-ng-s-2043106|url-status=live}}

Many families across affected areas lost access to food, and were left without it just before the Christmas season. Waves higher than {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} 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.