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Unpredictable and severe weather events are part of life in Fiji during the cyclone season. The reality of facing more deadly storms makes our work to prepare and respond to these natural disasters even more important.
In response to Cyclones Yasa and Ana in late 2020 and early 2021, the FIJI Water Foundation stepped up to help relieve the immediate needs of impacted communities. Critical donations of water, tarpaulins, food, and hygiene packs ensured that affected families received essential supplies to stay safe and healthy in the immediate aftermath of the disasters.
The Foundation also donated over FJ$125,000 to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund to assist with the country’s broader response to the impacts of Cyclone Yasa, the more devastating of the two.
In 2016, Cyclone Winston, the strongest cyclone ever measured in the Southern Hemisphere, made a direct hit with Fiji. Its path of destruction left tens of thousands homeless and thousands more without food, water, and other resources. In the storm’s immediate aftermath, the FIJI Water Foundation provided FJ$1.1 million in food, water, shelter, and emergency assistance to address the needs.
The Foundation also supported Fiji’s long-term recovery by helping those affected in the Yaqara Valley rebuild stronger homes. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the team constructed cyclone-resistant housing for displaced employees. And to support the ongoing resiliency of communities, each year before cyclone season, the FIJI Water Foundation funds cyclone preparedness trainings in the Yaqara Valley and maintains emergency shelter supplies on the island ready to deploy to affected areas as needed.
