The Fiji National Disaster Management Office launched its revamped web- site yesterday.

The website contains locations of evacuation centres, emergency contacts, press releases and public advisories that will go live when it is issued by the organisation.

The website also has hazard information regarding every natural disaster, especially disasters the country often face.

The launch coincided with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction celebration and the launch of the National Disaster Awareness Media Campaign.

Acting Minister for the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Jone Usamate, said the website was part and parcel of the country’s preparation for the oncoming cyclone season.

“The completion of this project will enable us to reach out to more people as we continue to build more advocacy around the importance of early preparedness, and the timely release of information during times of disasters,” he said.

Mr Usamate has called on the media to be a reliable source of information in times of disasters.

“Media throughout the world and here in Fiji play a vital role in educating the public about dis- asters.

“The media disseminates warning of hazards, gathering and transmitting information about affected areas and even alert government officials, relief organisations and the general public to specific incidents.”

He said both mainstream and social media have become critical in providing the opportunity to broaden warnings to diverse segments of the population in times of disasters.

“However, I would also like to remind members of the media about your responsibility in ensuring the dissemination of reliable and credible messages on disasters in a timely manner.

“The onus also lies on us, the public, to ensure that the messages we are sending are factual, so we do not put ourselves and others at risk.”

The website can be accessed on: https://www.ndmo.gov.fj/

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