New food early warning systems boost Fiji's disaster preparedness amid growing climate risks
Approximately 171,611 Fijians in the Rewa Delta, Naitasiri, and parts of Tailevu will now benefit from 17 newly installed Flood Early Warning Systems. This advanced network of four rainfall stations, seven water level stations, and six warning posts will significantly enhance Fiji's capacity to predict floods and execute timely evacuations, reducing the devastating impact of natural disasters on local communities.
The new warning system's launch coincides perfectly with the Coalition Government's recently unveiled National Development Plan, which aims to empower Fijians and create a more resilient nation and comes at a critical time for the country, which is facing increasing risks from climate change.
Implemented by the Government of Korea through the National Disaster Risk Management Institute, in partnership with Dongbu Engineering Ltd., Tokonet Todo Communications Ltd and Fiji's Natural Disaster Management Office (NDMO), the system will complement Fiji's responsibility to every individual, community and household.
The successful construction of the flood forecasting and warning system for disaster risk reduction in Fiji also ensures that lives and security are safeguarded during inclement weather.
The success of these systems has been demonstrated in countries like the Philippines, where early warnings helped mitigate casualties during a recent typhoon.
Receiving the system on behalf of the Fiji Government, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, said the Saemaul Undong Initiative from Korea had enabled Fiji to initiate not only rural development models but more so a way of life that is self-reliant, sustainable and resilient to the many challenges the nations faced today in our rural areas.
"Having seen the real impacts of climate change in the region, especially in Fiji, we once again witness the launch of flood early warning systems here in the Central Division to add value to the already existing initiative of Saemaul Undong and the investments of the Korean government," said Minister Ditoka.
The absence of a contemporary early warning system also puts first responders at risk when searching for and rescuing individuals who are stranded; however, the new system solves these issues, and their implementation in selected flood-prone communities will address these issues.
The Flood Warning System also brings into focus how modern technology can add value to these already resilient communities. Through the transmission of data, an early warning will be sounded through sirens to provide ample time for preparation, whether for evacuation or returning home, whilst it is still safe to do so and secure properties.
The Fiji Meteorological Service is also expected to announce in the coming month the 2024-2025 tropical cyclone season outlook and forecast the number of cyclones expected to affect our region and Fiji.