Fiji

FIJI Post-Disaster Needs Assessment
Table 74: Damage and Losses in the DRM Sector by Division (F$ million)
Division Damage Losses Total Effects Private (%) Public (%)
Central 0.2 2.8 3.0 0.03 99.97
Eastern 0.6 3.5 4.1 0.07 99.93
Northern 0.3 8.7 9.0 0.00 100.00
Western 0.9 12.4 13.3 0.01 99.99
Total 2.0 27.4 29.4 0.02 99.98
Source: Estimations by Assessment Team.
4.4 Performance of the Fiji DRM System
Interviews, focus groups and questionnaires with key informants were used to examine the performance of Fiji’s overall
DRM system in relation to TC Winston. This section provides insights gleaned from these questionnaires in terms of what
worked well and what areas need strengthening, as well as analysis on the performance of the DRM system undertaken
as part of this PDNA.
4.4.1 Tropical Cyclone Forecasting
Although TC Winston was a challenging system to forecast with frequent and dramatic changes in its path, both the
manned and automatic monitoring stations of the FMS were effectively transmitting data to the forecasting centre in Nadi
allowing forecasters to track and predict TC Winston and prepare warning messages for the public. While a number of
FMS weather stations sustained damage, their ability to forecast TC Winston’s track was not affected. Ways to further
increase resilience of the monitoring and early warning systems should be considered during the reconstruction and repairs
of damaged equipment.
4.4.2 Early Warning
Early warning messages were issued by the FMS and the private sector weather forecaster, NaDraki, and distributed using
print and social media, radio and websites. Pre-existing campaigns, such as Get Ready. Disasters Happen. (getready.
gov.fj), were rolled out in preparation for TC Winston, which provided the public with regular messaging on what to do to
prepare for and what to do following TC Winston. However, complementary resources to support the development and
regular dissemination of risk reduction messages are lacking.
Social media campaigns, such as #FijiWillRise and #StrongerThanWinston, were quickly established and rapidly gained
momentum, creating a sense of hope and resilience within the community, which is essential for both material and
psychosocial recovery.
Fiji’s limited experience with such intense tropical cyclones as TC Winston meant that public understanding of the
characteristics of a Category 5 system and its associated risks was inadequate. A number of coastal communities expected
strong winds, but were unprepared for the intensity of the storm surge, which contributed to poor decision making in
relation to the location of evacuation centres and housing in coastal areas.
Regular DRM training for journalists should be encouraged to maximise the impact of public information campaigns and
to ensure that journalists and broadcasters are clear and confident when they relay early warning messages to the public
in English, iTaukei and Hindi. Training should also be provided on ethical reporting during disasters to avoid insensitive or
sensationalist reporting.
4.4.3 Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Groups
More can be done to further disseminate early warnings to a wider audience, especially the vulnerable population. Television
broadcasts could add sign language to the warnings, and text messages could be sent targeting the hearing impaired.
Disability inclusive DRR in Fiji was initially accepted and supported by NDMO through its implementing partner Act for
Peace and a toolkit adopted in 2013. Further work remains to ensure that evacuation centres are accessible and safe
for people with disabilities and that an information management system is available so that necessary data is collected to
ensure appropriate support can be provided to people with disabilities.
112 Tropical Cyclone Winston, February 20, 2016