Published in WelCom February 2021

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has sent solidarity funding to its long-term partners in Fiji to help communities following the impact of Cyclone Yasa. The hurricane, which claimed four lives, tore across Fijian islands, including Vanua Levu and Taveuni, on 17 December, 2021.

Homes were destroyed and power and phones were down after winds of 240km/h, with gusts as high as 345km/h.

Just over a month later, on 31 January, 2021, Cyclone Ana tore across Fiji’s main islands. The category 2 cyclone with winds of 140km/h, brought down trees, destroyed crops, and caused extensive flooding and thousands to seek shelter. At least one life was lost, and others were reported missing.

‘One practical way we can show our solidarity with the people of Fiji during these challenging times is by sending funds to our partners as they help communities in need following the devastation caused by Cyclone Yasa and now Ana,’ said Julianne Hickey, Director of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand.

New Zealanders can donate using the Caritas website: caritas.org.nz/donate-online click on ‘General Emergency Fund’ and add ‘Pacific Relief Fund’ in the comments section.