Natural disasters cause loss of life, disruption in economic activities, especially for low-income groups and severe environmental damage.
The severity and occurrences of natural disasters are increasing everywhere.
The Fiji Islands are vulnerable to natural disasters such as tropical cyclones, flooding, landslides, storm surge, tsunami, earthquake, drought and sea level rise. The main volcanic islands have numerous streams and rivers that become deadly during heavy rainfall.
The low coastal fringe is vulnerable to storm surge and tsunami.
Outer islands are devastated as they are of low elevation and surrounded by open sea that gives tropical cyclones, storm surges and tsunamis more dance floor space'. In the short term, preparedness is very important in the event of disasters. But, in the long-term, prevention of unsustainable environmental practices is far more important.
Causes of severe damage and loss
In Fiji, most disasters such as tropical cyclones and flooding cause damage on a large scale.
In recent years each new tropical cyclone and flooding causes damage greater than the previous one.
Changes in population patterns (population density, population pressure and rural-urban drift) in urban and fertile hinterland areas, poverty, industrialisation, the increasing demand for resources and environmental degradation are the main causes.
Environmental education and planning are critical for sustainability.
Unfortunately, this has always been given a low priority in Fiji.
Careless and indiscriminate logging, gravel extraction, land reclamation, development of industries and settlements and industrial waste disposal
leading to silting and the rest have been going on and continue to go unchecked.
It is these events that have accelerated the damage and loss but it is mostly people who are blamed for not taking precautions when disaster strikes.
In Labasa alone, the virtually dead Qawa River and the heavily silted Labasa River are typical examples.
The dumping of mill mud once at Naduna, along Labasa River bank became another growing concern where authorities failed to tackle this problem immediately.
When the problem aggravates further it will be too costly to authorities and the people.
By then, the damage will be already done. Similarly, the recent flooding in Labasa has caused heavy silting of the Labasa River.
The authorities need to conduct a scientific study to find out the real causes of flooding of such magnitude.
Dredging a river is a temporary measure. It does not get rid of the root of the problem.
Curing a problem is a Band-Aid solution.
What is needed is prevention of unsustainable activities from taking place so that there is little need for people to worry.
Much of the prevention and regulatory powers, even environmental education lies in the hands of the state which is beyond the control of ordinary people.
In the meantime, let's blame the people once more for failing to take adequate precautions.
People are unable to understand the complex nature of disasters.
Many people in Fiji do not understand wind speeds, location of tropical cyclones and the use of coordinates to forecast the path as reported during special weather bulletins.
Many have no idea about the condition that persists in the eye of the cyclone and in coastal areas, which can potentially be affected by the approaching storm surge. Many people have no idea about the categories of tropical cyclones, their differences and effects.
I am pretty sure that in the event of a tsunami in Fiji, when any of the coast does become void of sea water temporarily (which is a clear sign that a tsunami is evidently unavoidable), most people will roam the beach and collect shells, crab, fish etc.
That is a sure recipe for death. They are oblivious to the next change that will take them on a roller coaster ride on roaring waves that will smash them against the tallest buildings.
Similar stories came up during the Banda Aceh tsunami, where many people curiously flocked to the beach.
One cannot outsmart the speed of a tsunami even Ben Johnson or Rupeni Caucau cannot out manoeuvre tsunamis as they have the potential to travel at speeds well over 500 km/h.
The fact is people are not aware of the formation process and the aftermath of such disasters.
The after-shocks of an earthquake and the series of tsunami are equally dangerous as the first strike. Lack of understanding about disasters have proven costly and deadly to people.
It is often seen that people underestimate cyclones, floods, storms and tsunamis.
The result of this has been devastating as seen during the past cyclones in Fiji. Nobody expected a flood of such magnitude during cyclones Kina and Ami. Similarly, Rakiraki, which is commonly known for drought, came face to face with a flood, causing huge damage and loss to the economy. Nadi experienced severe flooding early this week. Korotasese and Vatukura villages in Cakaudrove experienced a flood perhaps never seen before.
Cyclones, floods and similar disasters cannot and must not be under-estimated; it can devastate any place in Fiji.
Some deaths have been as a result of carelessness on the part of victims.
Despite warnings, some fishermen still prefer to go out fishing while others still want to proceed with their journey to the next island across the open sea in overcrowded punts.
Some sightseeing trips have turned tragic. Some have taken the risk to cross flooded rivers while some have driven through flooded bridges and roads. The consequences have been dreadful. When people cannot blame anyone, they find it easy to blame the weather office for giving wrong information.
The weather office always provides valuable information that people must seriously consider.
Everyone must be prepared for the worst as we are once again passing through the cyclone season. What does your safety and emergency kit contain? Do you have one? The check list below might be of help: Battery-operated radio, torch, lighter, candles, lamp, knife, rope, inflatable raft, medicine and bandages, personal documents and valuables, clean water stored in tanks, large containers or bottles, tinned food and basic food items stored safely, safe shoes within reach, basic clothes packed in bags that can be easily carried if the situation warrants, short term vegetable seeds, etc.
These are some of the things that can make up an emergency kit.
In any case, it must be remembered that lives are far more important than property and possessions.
During the recent flood in Labasa, I called the two radio stations and warned the people living in Labasa Town that with the level of flood in the Korotari River, Labasa Town could expect flooding within two to three hours.
Unfortunately, there was a power failure in Labasa at that time and understandably, many people were unable to listen to the warning. In such times, a small battery operated
radio can prove to be a saviour. I am sure if the town's residents had listened to the warning, many could have saved their valuables.
A little bit of pre-planning can save lives. Secure your house in advance and be on good terms with neighbours.
Never underestimate disasters. Listen to warnings over radios and act accordingly. Sometimes, using common sense can be of great help.
The location of some villages and settlements raise serious doubts on safety.
The structure of most dwellings are unable to withstand the ferocity of some disasters.
Damage has always been high in rural areas and outer islands because of the type of housing.
It is poverty and poor infrastructure that restricts people from constructing better houses.
Bure type and lean-to houses are no match for a flood or a tropical cyclone.
Additionally, people do not like to move from their homes. They are attached to it and do not want to move out despite warnings.
Sometimes, it is too late for them to move out. The place holds cultural, social, economic and aesthetic value to their lives and so moving out to a safer location is not easy.
But it is possible. There are many villages and settlements that are located too close to river banks, deltas and coastal areas.
These areas are in more danger of being affected by natural disasters.
Living too close to such areas means some level of destruction and alteration to the natural landscape, which increases the risk of disasters and chances of severe damage.
This needs to be stopped. Examples are the removal of mangroves, trees, grasses, soil, doing cultivation and construction on river banks etc. Some of these unscrupulous practices show there is no regard for environment and the imminent danger being created. Moving to a safer location nearby, although difficult will be helpful in the longer term.
History tells that settlements have been built and abandoned for suitability and safety.
People today need to make that adjustment if the location is vulnerable to flooding, sea level rise, storm surge, landslides and other disasters.
This will mean less damage and consequently less expenses incurred by the Government in providing relief assistance.
Post-disaster relief and rehabilitation has always been very expensive exercises carried out by developing nations.
The scenario can be worse if foreign assistance is not forthcoming. People must realise that they cannot rely on foreign assistance and aid every time.
What can be done?
Development of a culture of safety', pre-disaster planning and, to some extent, post-disaster reconstruction are important.
Environmental education is fundamental to a sustainable environment.
It will lead to less damage and loss from disasters.
Environmental education curriculum must be designed using local and international expertise and taught in all schools.
The benefit of this will be far-reaching.
People must take an active role in managing their environment. They must carefully consider the long-term implications of their actions instead of short-term gains. The State must monitor developments and take action.
A well-funded National Disaster Management Centre that can quickly conduct assessments, liaise with donor agencies and provide assistance within a short time is vital for developing nations.
The involvement of experts in damage assessment and mitigation measures is equally essential.
Laws and regulations are vital instruments for transforming environment and development policies into action. Developing nations have always been affected by shortcomings of laws and regulations.
It is essential to develop and implement integrated, enforceable, effective and relevant laws and regulations that are based on sound social, ecological, economic and scientific principles.
The Environmental Management Bill must be duly given consideration.
This Bill is extremely important in safeguarding the environment for the future.
For too long, opportunists have misused the environment for their personal use. People's hope lie in the interim government to have the Environment Bill become a reality after being held back for too so long.
Was it because of the bureaucracy or an intentional delay to protect the opportunists?
Development must be done considering the local environment first and foremost. EIA (environment impact assessment) must apply to all existing and new development activities. The enactment and enforcement of an Environment Management Bill is essential as it will conform to international agreements, thus opening up international assistance in the field of technical requirements, specialised training, funding for sustainable development projects in rural and outer islands.
The State needs to address prevention and reduction of disasters (both natural and man made). It must implement suitable laws and regulations that a developing nation like Fiji needs so that development does not cause long-term environmental disturbance and further risk of disasters that threaten the existence of life and livelihood.
Aldo Leopold, an environmentalist once said "We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a commodity to which we belong, we may use it with love and respect".
Pradeep Lal is a high school teacher in Labasa