ABOUT 70 business leaders in Nadi are seeking answers for the late and inadequate warning of torrential rainfall and flash flooding that wreaked havoc in the tourist centre two weeks ago.
Questions are also being asked on conflicting weather reports and weather warnings that did not reflect rainfall intensity and strength of floodwaters.
At a meeting held in Nadi yesterday, business owners highlighted the need for an effective flood warning system that would enable the relocation of perishable goods, furniture, fittings and stock well before the river breaks its banks.
"The warning that was issued was inadequate and we were all misled by inaccurate weather reports over the broadcast media," said Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Dr Ram Raju.
"Lives were lost and businesses have suffered heavily."
Representatives from the Nadi Basin Catchment Committee and Integrated Water Resource Management teams along with officials from the Ministry of Primary Industries and Water Authority of Fiji met with business owners to discuss flood mitigation strategies. "Perhaps the most effective strategy is an effective warning system like the siren that was supposed to have been installed earlier this year," said Dr Raju.