Flood Early Warning System for Nadi

Plans are underway for a flood early warning system at Yavusania Village in Nadi to warn its residents against incoming disasters.

This was revealed by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, during the commissioning of the Yavusania Retrofitted Evacuation Centre in Nadi on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Ditoka said setting the system was important for people to be aware for any disasters.

“You have witnessed the effect of natural disasters in our country. It tells us that the world is experiencing climate change,” he said.

“Therefore, it is the responsibility of your Coalition Government to safeguard our people from its effect.”

Yavusania Village is located near the Denarau Marina. Over the years, the villagers faced challenges of coastal erosion, which resulted in displacement of many families.

Past cyclones came with rain and caused severe flooding that swept away homes.

Two months ago, the Ba Women Provincial Council and Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba, (SSViT) organised a workshop for a project on planting trees on the village riverbank to prevent erosion.

The women of Yavusania were trained on tree planting with specific trees planted along the Nadi riverbank to protect the loss of land and stabilise riverbanks.

Mr Ditoka said part of their commitments with IOM was to conduct community-based disaster risk management training in communities.

“Training will also be conducted by the Save the Children for the purpose of protecting our women and children.”

He thanked the Korean government for helping fund the completion of the evacuation facility.

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