National Tsunami Drill

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Suva

We were told in September 27, 2017 that “a National Tsunami Drill will be conducted in Fiji in late October to raise levels of preparedness and practical evacuation experience for tsunamis. Initiated by the Government to minimise disaster risks and the potential threats of tsunamis, the National Tsunami Drill will be a national exercise to test warning systems, communication systems, and evacuation plans for all coastal communities in Fiji. This is an ambitious national undertaking, and the first time an entire Pacific nation has tested its national tsunami preparedness.

We were also told that the National Tsunami Drill was endorsed by Cabinet and that subject to Cabinet approval it could take place as early as October 27, 2017.

The year 2017 is now behind us but the million dollar question is, was one done?

We are told that 5 to 10 tsunami sirens would be installed in the greater Suva area, as we currently have only two – one in Lami and one in Laucala Bay. Government must fast track the installation of the tsunami sirens and the national tsunami drill to go with it.

We will all need to hear the tsunami siren and for those in the shoreline to make it to higher grounds as soon as possible because we are told that “…after a local earthquake, a tsunami could reach Fiji in as few as eight minutes, causing massive loss of life, infrastructure and property”.

As a nation, we are not prepared for that possibility and we need to walk the talk right now!