Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Jovesa Vocea has announced the introduction of a new early-warning flood system designed to bolster disaster preparedness in Labasa. This initiative, backed by a $1.6 million investment from the Government of the Republic of Korea via the National Disaster Management Research Institute, aims to improve responses to severe weather events, ultimately protecting lives and property in vulnerable areas.
Recently commissioned, the project will see the installation of critical infrastructure including four rainfall gauges, seven water-level gauges, and six community warning posts throughout Labasa and Wailevu. This enhancement is anticipated to greatly assist prevalent flood-prone communities in Fiji’s northern region.
Vocea shared his reflections from his experience as District Officer Macuata and Commissioner Northern, recalling the challenges faced by officials who previously monitored river levels manually during heavy rainfall, sometimes putting themselves in peril. “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 noted.
The new flood alert system is set to offer real-time notifications, granting families essential time to prepare for possible evacuations before floods strike. Vocea further emphasized the utility of the community warning posts, stating they will not only alert residents to flooding risks but will also provide vital information during other emergencies, such as cyclones, ensuring that crucial communications reach residents even if conventional channels are compromised.
Accompanying this technological advancement, the National Disaster Risk Management Office is executing community-based disaster training which empowers villages to form disaster committees and develop local evacuation plans. Vocea underscored the significance of this training, asserting that while technology is vital, the ability of individuals to react appropriately to alerts is equally important.
Vocea expressed appreciation towards the Government of Korea, local stakeholders, and Labasa communities for their support and collaboration in bringing this initiative to fruition.
This investment in enhanced warning systems, coupled with community training, underscores Fiji’s overarching commitment to disaster preparedness, paralleling similar initiatives throughout the country. As communities work to improve their readiness for natural disasters, there is a budding sense of hope and resilience, pointing towards a more secure future despite the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.