Fiji Leads in Flash Flood System Use in the Pacific

Fiji is one of many countries in the world using the Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS).

This was mentioned by Hwirin Kim, the head of World Meteorological Organization Hydrological and Water Resources Division (HWR) Services Department.

During the Pacific Early Warning System for Floods (EWS-F) and Flash Flooding Guidance System (FFGS) meeting at the Novotel Hotel in

Nadi, Ms Kim said Fiji was rated the best with other 73 countries of the world in using the flood system.

FFGS is a critical tool for forecasting and managing flash floods, which are among the world’s deadliest natural disasters.

The system was designed to address the lack of capacity for developing effective flash flood warnings. It provides real-time guidance to meteorological and hydrological forecasters.

Ms Kim said Fiji was the only country in the Pacific who had the system.

“They implement it and are working with the National Disaster Management Office and they are sharing all the information. They share the information, not only in English but having it in local language bulletin and some other languages. They are using it to give warnings to the public.

“Fiji is a good example with to other islands in sharing the experience. That way other islands can learn from Fiji. Fiji is the leading country among the pacific islands.”

She said Fiji was yet to be designated as the FFGS business centre in the Pacific.

“We have not decided yet, but Fiji is one of the good candidates to become the regional centre for FFGS Pacific.”

They aim to focus on the project of early warning of floods system, which will be funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Sezin Tokar, a senior hydrometeorological hazard advisor at USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Reduction said supporting the project was important because early warnings saved lives and reduced suffering and reduce economic impact of disasters.

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