Cyclone preparation

RECALLING those fancy advertisements on the TV as we entered the cyclone season, I remember being instructed to “know my evacuation centre”.

From this I assumed that the owners, or those in charge of such places of refuge had been requested, were willing, and were prepared to receive people in time of need.

So it is difficult to understand why a temple on Taveuni was used as an evacuation centre, apparently without any prior notice, and was consequently desecrated, as reported by Mahendra Chaudhry in his article (FT 9/1).

This lack of respect for the religious beliefs and customs of others is totally unacceptable and unnecessary. We have lived together in a multi-faith society for more than a hundred years. We should know and understand each other by now.

Questions need to be asked and answered by those in authority: Who designated the temple as an evacuation centre? Were the temple authorities asked, and did they give permission? Was this done at the last minute, because proper preparation had not been done before?

The article by Mr Chaudhry raises a lot of

other questions too, about the supply of relief for those affected by STC Yasa. What he describes does not match the impression given by the Government that their response is going well and all those affected are receiving necessary first assistance and relief.

Adequate preparation for storms, and assistance for those affected, are evidently lacking. I hope for improvements before the next storm comes.

TESSA MACKENZIE

Suva