Fiji is now better equipped to deal with high intensity cyclones following Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016.
And as the country enters the 2023/2024 cyclone season this month, Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka has urged the public that disaster preparedness was not an option, but a necessity.
He also said the public, communities, households, and individuals should take heed of this weather outlook to ensure they were well-prepared for this new cyclone season.
“Compared to Winston, I believe we are now much better organised,” he told members of the media.
“We’ve now upped our game and our procedures, policies and strategies are all now in place to ensure that we are now able to tackle Category 3 through to Category 5 cyclones.”
In addition, Mr Ditoka said they had also practised response strategies in conjunction with the donor partners across different sectors, including business houses like Punjas.
“Last week, we were talking about how we could possibly be using their networks as well as their distribution centres in case of disaster and I think we are in a much better place now compared to before.”
He said two to three cyclones were predicted to pass through Fiji’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the ministry was in the process of conducting its operational readiness check (ORC) for all emergency operation centres, equipment, and facilities in the four divisions.
Mr Ditoka stated while 30 per cent of operational checks for evacuation centres and emergency operation centres was complete, divisional commissioners had been instructed to complete all assessments by Friday (tomorrow).
“To parents and guardians, I urge you to be proactive and vigilant in adverse weather. Keep a watchful eye on your children and refrain from crossing or swimming in flooded rivers.
“The hazards hidden beneath the water are unpredictable and can pose great risks.
“Please consider strengthening or retrofitting your homes and ensure your family members are familiar with emergency contact numbers and your family’s emergency plans.”
