El Niño crisis may trigger national emergency

The Government is considering declaring a national emergency in response to the ongoing El Niño situation, with a decision expected by the end of this week.

Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau said assessments and consultations were currently being carried out by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development.

Mr Tuisawau said a national emergency declaration would enable the full machinery of Government to be activated to respond more effectively to the impacts of El Niño.

"It will be good that that is declared so that the whole of government machinery comes into motion and action," he said.

He said the declaration would also support the work of his ministry, the Water Authority of Fiji and Government Shipping Services in addressing challenges linked to the weather phenomenon.

The response, he added, would involve not only Government ministries but also other agencies and arms of Government as Fiji prepares for the worsening impacts of El Niño.

More in the Fiji Sun print edition tomorrow.