Fiji faces new disaster risks despite early warning gains

Fiji has made major advances in early warning systems over the past decade, helping the nation better predict and respond to natural disasters. But experts warn that the hardest challenges are still ahead as climate-related events grow stronger and more unpredictable.

Global Director of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Dr Ramesh Subramaniam, said the country is entering a new phase that demands smarter planning, tougher building standards, and faster recovery systems.

“The complexity of disasters is changing,” Dr Subramaniam said. “It’s not just how often they occur, but how powerful and unpredictable they have become.”

He said recent reports show Fiji’s disaster patterns are shifting, requiring stronger infrastructure, tighter coordination between agencies, and enough funding to rebuild quickly after major events.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, said Fiji is still feeling the effects of past disasters.

“We had a Category 5 cyclone in 2016, and even now we are still catching up on rebuilding schools and public infrastructure,” he said. “It’s taken a major toll on our national budget.”

Professor Prasad stressed that international support remains crucial for Fiji’s recovery and resilience.

“Our development partners play a key role. Without the technical help and funding, it would be extremely difficult to get communities back on their feet quickly.”

Both leaders agreed that with stronger and more frequent climate disasters looming, Fiji must stay ahead by investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure and preparedness.

“Planning, resources, and strong partnerships will determine how fast we can recover,” Dr Subramaniam said.

Fiji has made major advances in early warning systems over the past decade, helping the nation better predict and respond to natural disasters. But experts warn that the hardest challenges are still ahead as climate-related events grow stronger and more unpredictable.

Global Director of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Dr Ramesh Subramaniam, said the country is entering a new phase that demands smarter planning, tougher building standards, and faster recovery systems.

“The complexity of disasters is changing,” Dr Subramaniam said. “It’s not just how often they occur, but how powerful and unpredictable they have become.”

He said recent reports show Fiji’s disaster patterns are shifting, requiring stronger infrastructure, tighter coordination between agencies, and enough funding to rebuild quickly after major events.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, said Fiji is still feeling the effects of past disasters.

“We had a Category 5 cyclone in 2016, and even now we are still catching up on rebuilding schools and public infrastructure,” he said. “It’s taken a major toll on our national budget.”

Professor Prasad stressed that international support remains crucial for Fiji’s recovery and resilience.

“Our development partners play a key role. Without the technical help and funding, it would be extremely difficult to get communities back on their feet quickly.”

Both leaders agreed that with stronger and more frequent climate disasters looming, Fiji must stay ahead by investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure and preparedness.

“Planning, resources, and strong partnerships will determine how fast we can recover,” Dr Subramaniam said.