The Fijian Government is committed to enhancing proactive measures to minimise the devastation caused by natural disasters as occurrences of natural hazards continue to increase.

This was the focus of a ministerial meeting yesterday between the Minister National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu, Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Mereseini Vuniwaqa and the Assistant Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment, Lorna Eden.

Mr Seruiratu said following recent cyclones, earthquakes and tsunami warnings in the region, Government was adamant that mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in development plans of both rural and urban areas would reduce risks.

While the warning mechanisms are already in place for cyclones and tsunamis, Government is looking at investing to install more tsunami sirens in critical areas and places to protect the country.

Meanwhile a joint taskforce is currently working with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that gaps and loopholes in the current warning systems are addressed.

Source: DEPTFO News

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