Fiji’s state of readiness for the upcoming cyclone season from November to April is at 60 per cent.

Minister for Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu said after conducting their operational readiness check, they identified a few gaps they were working on weeks away from the start of the cyclone season.

“We take preparation very seriously because crisis management is within the continuum of preparedness, prevention and mitigation response,” Mr Seruiratu said.

“For Fiji we do quite well in our response and recovery, but we need to be more proactive and that is why for this season we want to be more focused on prevention, preparation and mitigation.”

He said there were a lot they could do prior to the season that could save a lot of lives and minimise the damage and losses associated with disasters.

The Prevention and Mitigation Committee will meet in coming weeks before convening the Disaster Council Meeting before November.

The ministry is satisfied with its level of preparations that’s ongoing. He also said they would continue to review existing protocols to ensure they work within a COVID-19 safe environment.

Minister for Meteorological Services Jone Usamate said the prediction is for one to two severe tropical cyclones to pass through Fiji during the cyclone season.

In addition, one to three tropical cyclones will likely pass through Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

The ministry also launched its National Disaster Awareness Media Campaign and released the 2021/2022 Seasonal Outlook.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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