Two to three cyclones are expected to pass Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the upcoming cyclone season.

The Fiji Meteorological Services

The Fiji Meteorological Services has also forecasted one to two severe tropical cyclones to pass through Fiji.

Additionally, five to seven tropical cyclones are likely to affect the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) Nadi region with one to four severe tropical cyclones

This covers the area from the equator to 20 degrees south, 160 degrees east to 120 degrees west.

The cyclone season in Fiji is from November to April.

“The Fijian Government is committed to ensure that the future generations of Fijians are protected,” said Minister responsible for Meteorological Services, Jone Usamate.

He said the rainfall for the duration of the cyclone season is above average rainfall.

“We should expect more rain in the next six months,” he said.

Flooding

Mr Usamate said flooding continues to be one of the leading causes of death during any cyclonic events.

Data released by the Fiji Police Force shows that a total of 17 people had drowned during an event of a natural disaster between 2017 and August 2021.

“Majority of these incidents involved people being swept away by strong currents while trying to cross flooded rivers, creeks and areas,” he said.

“Let me remind every Fijian today, we have the power to reduce these fatalities simply by following advisories issued by our relevant authorities.

“We must not cross flooded areas, flooded rivers and streams as this can result in loss of lives and place search and rescue teams at risk.”

Mr Usamate reiterated that parents must ensure their children were supervised at all times and children were not be allowed to swim in flooded waters.

Government Effort

With early warning being one of the best efforts in minimising accidents in times of disasters, Mr Usamate said the Government has made an effort to install simplified early warning systems at the community level.

“Water level sensors and rain gauges are installed in strategic areas which triggers alarms to indicate flood alerts to vulnerable communities,” he said.

“Upon activation, it provides lead time to the villages to activate evacuation protocols and move to safer ground.

“Coordination with Mineral Resources Department for tsunami warnings and evacuation notices. This includes monthly tsunami siren tests and evacuation drills for the public.

We currently have 13 Tsunami sirens installed along the Suva peninsula.”

He said Fijians should now start witnessing disasters preparedness messaging running through various multimedia platforms.

Meanwhile, two significant disasters Fiji battled in the last season were TC Cody and the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai Volcanic eruption– both came in January this year.

Story By: josefa.babitu@fijisun.com.fj