Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Jovesa Vocea has announced the launch of a new early-warning flood system aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness for communities in Labasa. Funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the National Disaster Management Research Institute, this initiative, valued at $1.6 million, is set to significantly improve the response to severe weather events, ultimately helping to safeguard lives and property.
Commissioned recently, the project includes the installation of essential equipment such as four rainfall gauges, seven water-level gauges, and six community warning posts across Labasa and Wailevu. This upgrade is expected to greatly benefit flood-prone communities in the northern region of Fiji.
Vocea shared his personal insights from his experience as District Officer Macuata and Commissioner Northern, highlighting the past dangers faced by officials who had to manually monitor river levels during heavy rain. “In the past, officers had to physically monitor river levels during heavy rain, risking their own lives. Warnings were sometimes delayed, leaving families unaware until waters had already entered their homes. This system will greatly reduce those risks,” he stated.
The new system promises real-time flood alerts, thereby giving families crucial time to prepare for potential evacuations before floods occur. Vocea emphasized that the community warning posts will not only be activated for flooding risks but can also be used to send alerts during other disasters like cyclones, ensuring that vital information reaches residents even when traditional communication channels fail.
Additionally, as part of this initiative, the National Disaster Risk Management Office is conducting community-based disaster training to aid villages in forming disaster committees and crafting local evacuation plans. Vocea remarked on the importance of this training, asserting that advanced technology can only be effective if people know how to respond appropriately to alerts.
He expressed gratitude to the Government of Korea, alongside local stakeholders and Labasa communities, for their collaboration in making this project possible.
The investment in improved warning systems and community training reflects Fiji’s broader commitment to disaster preparedness, as highlighted by similar initiatives across the nation. As communities enhance their readiness for natural disasters, there is a growing sense of hope and resilience, indicating a more secure future amid ongoing climate challenges.