THE Nadi Town Council is banking on divine intervention to stop its town from sinking.
Mayor Timoci Koroiqica said that while scientists could make reports and publish findings, it was God who had the final say.
"What most people forget is that there is someone up above there who made heaven and earth," he said.
Mr Koroiqica was reacting to a statement made by Professor Patrick Nunn of USP at the Pacific Climate Change Roundtable/Media Capacity Building seminar in Apia, Samoa.
Professor Nunn had said that Pacific nations must recognise and accept that some places may not be habitable in 20 years. He used Nadi Town as an example of a town that may not exist in 20 years.
"In 2027, Nadi Town will be below sea level," Professor Nunn said.
"It is unlikely that Nadi will ever attract the funds to enable the construction and maintenance of engineer structures necessary to preserve it.
"There is no other option but to relocate."
Mr Koroiqica said they were taking that statement seriously.
"We hope that there will be divine intervention to stop this town from sinking," he said.
Mr Koroiqica said they were discussing the matter and hoped it would not happen.
He said they were looking at the option suggested by Professor Nunn for them to relocate.
Professor Nunn challenged the theory that Nadi's frequent floods were caused by poor drainage and inadequate river dredging.
"Improving the drainage and dredging the river is only short-term solutions," he said.
"What is happening in Nadi is that forests have been cleared upstream so water rapidly pours into the lowland when it rains.
"Nadi is built on a river delta and is sinking because of compaction similar to any other deltas everywhere in the world."
Professor Nunn said relocation may be an unthinkable option but must be accepted as a long-term solution.