The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has stressed the importance of effective early warning systems that extend beyond mere monitoring and forecasting to ensure that communities can respond swiftly and save lives. During a recent stakeholder event in Suva, Gabrielle Emery, head of the UNDRR Pacific Subregional Office, emphasized that early warning and early action are critical to disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. She noted that while Fiji has made significant progress, particularly under the guidance of the Fiji Meteorological Service, there is still a need to look beyond observational data to foster community engagement and readiness.
Emery pointed out that for early warning systems to be truly effective, they must function as an integrated approach involving the entire government and community. She praised Fiji’s efforts to provide critical services, not only locally but also to surrounding Pacific nations. Key to the success of these systems is the capacity to communicate risk information effectively, ensuring that communities are ready to act on the warnings received.
“A successful early warning system must lead to decisive action from communities,” Emery remarked, highlighting the necessity for information to be accessible, understandable, and actionable, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, people with disabilities, and children. She recognized the significant role that various agencies play, particularly the National Disaster Management Office and the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, alongside the media in communicating warnings accurately and broadly.
As part of the global Early Warnings for All initiative, set to roll out next year, Fiji will focus on fortifying the entire early warning system—from data collection to actionable response. Emery pinpointed the existing gap in risk communication, stressing the importance of community empowerment to handle information efficiently, which will help in bolstering the nation’s resilience against disasters.
This approach not only aims to better protect lives during emergencies but fosters a more comprehensive disaster preparedness landscape, setting a hopeful trajectory for Fiji and its neighboring islands. The collaborative efforts and emphasis on inclusivity reflect a commitment to ensuring that all communities, particularly the most vulnerable, are safeguarded when disasters strike.