YachtAid Global Launches Operation Viti for Fiji

On December 17, Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasa made landfall over Fiji’s northern island of Vanua Levu, bringing torrential rain, life-threatening storm surge, widespread flooding, and wind gusts of more than 345 kilometers per hour. This is the second strongest cyclone on record to make landfall in Fiji. To aid Fiji in the aftermath, YachtAid Global (YAG) launched Operation Viti on December 22 to provide disaster relief and support transport and provision of immediate and long-term aid and supplies.

They worked to support Fiji National Disaster Management Office with initial assessment and deployment of rapid efforts, including air and maritime operations delivering the first 20 tons of disaster relief aid across islands in the northern division, according to the press release.

A seaplane, two superyachts, and three smaller local support boats delivered the aid, including food, water, tarps, shelter kits, hygiene kits, and toys for children as a reminder that they haven’t been forgotten. Captains and crew also cleared the ground and provided insights on where future helicopter landings could take place, along with treating small injuries.

In a January 5 Facebook post, YAG shared that they are engaging a 115-foot commercial roll-on/roll-off vessel to reach 27 remote communities across the Yasawa islands to deliver 130,000 liters of water and 50 tons of aid, including shelter repair kits, mosquito nets, and kitchen kits. They are also distributing seeds and seedlings for quick crops and fishing gear to assist those impacted to gradually return to self-sufficiency. The vessel will be sailing in between 20 islands over four days to deliver aid.

To donate to helping Fiji and learn more about the operation, visit: yachtaidglobal.org/campaigns/tropical-cyclone-yasa-relief-for-fiji