Fiji ranked 12th

FIJI is ranked as the 12th most hazardous country in the world by WorldRiskIndex on the basis of high exposure to natural hazards and “relatively low coping capacity”.

Fiji Development Bank general manager relationships and sales Titilia Kamil said this while citing a 2020 UN report on the Economic Impacts of Natural Hazards on Vulnerable Populations in Fiji.

She was presenting on Disaster Relief Packages – Case Study: Fiji Experience during a EU-funded and Pacific Community (SPC) organised Regional Workshop on Diaster Risk Reduction for Sustainable Export Value Chains on Wednesday at the Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi.

“The principle hazards affecting Fiji are tropical cyclones and floods. Additionally, climate change is likely to exacerbate all weatherrelated hazards in Fiji,” she said.

“Fiji is severely and regularly affected by floods that cause loss of life, damage to housing and infrastructure and economic disruption.

“It is also vital to mention that agriculture and fisheries are extremely important to Fiji, both as commercial and subsistence activities.”

She said since Fiji’s main target sector included agriculture, most of their customers falling in this category were significantly affected by natural disasters.

“The pandemic is also a stark reminder of the different types of disasters that could really stop the world and reverse the growth trends.”

Ms Kamil said therefore, providing relief after a disaster not only sustained life, but it also maintained hope for the future and the potential for a full economic recovery.