Fiji is ramping up its initiatives to tackle the increasing threat of urban flooding, as the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) engages in a significant two-day workshop in Suva. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to bolster preparedness and resilience against such natural disasters. NDRMO’s Acting Director, Napolioni Boseiwaqa, noted the growing frequency and intensity of urban floods, underscoring the need for an improved flood management framework.
Located along the Suva-Lami corridor, the workshop seeks to craft an integrated flood risk strategy, which encompasses the mapping of flood-prone areas, identifying both vulnerable populations and infrastructure, and optimizing early response strategies. Acknowledging the support of the US government, Boseiwaqa expressed gratitude for their contributions to Fiji’s resilience efforts. This includes investments in early warning systems and data enhancements, as well as fostering technical expertise through partnerships with Fiji Meteorological Services.
Boseiwaqa stressed the importance of inclusive flood response tactics, especially for vulnerable groups like women, children, people with disabilities, and those residing in underserved areas. Empowering these communities as first responders and communicators of risk is essential for effective resilience building.
This workshop is a part of Fiji’s wider commitment to strengthening disaster resilience. Previous efforts, such as the Weather Ready Nation Workshop, have focused on improving impact-based forecasting and reinforcing early warning systems. Fiji stands out for its proactive response in leveraging technological innovations and international collaborations to mitigate climate-related challenges.
By engaging local communities in the action planning under the Weather Ready Nation Program, practical solutions that enhance urban resilience are being crafted from the ground up. This forward-thinking strategy not only showcases Fiji’s dedication to disaster preparedness but also signifies a hopeful path towards safeguarding communities and infrastructure against mounting climate threats. Through these unified efforts, Fiji is setting a leading example in regional disaster management and climate adaptation, providing a model for other Pacific nations facing similar adversities.