Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu (cyclones)

As one of the costliest climate hazards for Pacific Island nations, tropical cyclones bring devastating impacts on assets, infrastructure and lives.

In 2020, Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa affected approximately 100,000 people across Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga, causing damage of over US$246.7 million (Echo Flash, 2020).

In 2016, Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston, the strongest tropical cyclone that year, impacted roughly 350,000 people and took 44 lives across Vanuatu, Fiji, and Tonga, and led to damages worth approximately US$1.4 billion (Reliefweb, 2016; ADB, 2017).

On 31st Jan 2024, Fiji has been issued a heavy rain warning, with a flash flood warning in place for all low-lying and flood-prone areas across the country. An active trough of low pressure is reported to be moving slowly over the Fiji Group, bringing with it associated cloud and rain expected to affect the region. 

Read more about extreme weather here.