Responding to Fiji’s Category 5 Cyclone Yasa
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By Talya Meyers
DECEMBER 24, 2020 6:25 AM
Yasa, a Category 5 cyclone, crashed into Fiji on December 17, cutting a destructive path through Vanua Levu, the nation’s second-largest island.
The storm killed at least four people, including an infant, and displaced tens of thousands. Two nonprofit groups with staff members on the ground described entire communities near-decimated, more than 20,000 in evacuation centers, and ruined crops that were bound to exacerbate already-existing food insecurities.
Medical supplies, food, and shelter were all needed in affected communities, the groups said.
Direct Relief is preparing multiple deliveries in response to specific requests from the Fijian Ministry of Health and local hospitals. Aid includes a Hurricane Prep Pack, which contains antibiotics, syringes, basic first aid supplies, and medications to treat conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and severe allergic reactions. The
Global Update: Covid-19 Vaccines and Health Centers, Fighting Infectious Diseases, and Delivering Insulin to Lebanon
A round-up of operational activity from Direct Relief.
Shipments of medical aid, including protective gowns, face shields, masks and googles, depart for medical facilities in 14 states last week from Direct Relief s warehouse. (Tony Morain/Direct Relief)
In Summary
• In the fight to reach everyone with Covid-19 vaccines, nonprofit health centers have an essential role to play.
• 35,000 doses of insulin arrive in hard-hit Lebanon, with an additional 55,000 on the way.
• Forbes ranks Direct Relief the third largest charity in the United States.
• Working with The Pfizer Foundation, Direct Relief will provide $2.5 million to safety net providers fighting infectious disease in vulnerable communities.