Experts praise Fiji’s disaster readiness, warn of challenges in remote areas

Fiji is being recognised as one of the Pacific’s strongest performers in disaster response, but experts warn that vulnerable communities in remote areas remain a major challenge.

Speaking at a regional disaster summit in Suva, Church Agencies Network Disaster Operations (CANDO) director Chey Mattner said Fiji has set a benchmark for how countries can prepare for and respond to natural disasters.

“Fiji operates extremely well,” Mr Mattner said.

“It’s coordinated by a very, very good team… and has strong relationships with government and partners.”

The country’s ability to respond quickly to cyclones and other emergencies has earned it a reputation as a regional leader particularly in coordination between government agencies and international partners like Australia.

But Mr Mattner stressed that response alone is not enough.

“The preparedness aspect is as important, if not more important than the response,” he said.

Efforts under the Australian Humanitarian Partnership have focused heavily on preparing communities before disasters strike reducing damage, saving lives, and speeding up recovery.

In Fiji, much of this work is carried out through church networks that have deep roots in local communities.

“These relationships have been there for decade and will be there for decades to come,” he said.

This long-standing presence allows aid programmes to reach people faster and more effectively than short-term interventions.

However, geography remains a barrier.

Remote villages often accessible only by boat and long treks are harder to reach, monitor, and support.

“Implementing and monitoring work in very remote communities is one of the biggest challenges,” Mr Mattner said.

Despite these obstacles, Fiji’s overall disaster readiness continues to improve, with increasing emphasis on resilience rather than recovery.

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