SMALL island states like Fiji are increasingly vulnerable to the risks of tsunamis, says Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport permanent secretary Taitusi Vakadravuyaca.
Speaking during a World Tsunami Awareness Day event at the Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd in Walu Bay, Suva yesterday, Mr Vakadravuyaca said 15 years ago thousands of people were killed when tsunamis struck their countries from the Indian Ocean, Japan to Indonesia.
He said 50 per cent of the world’s population who lived along coastal areas were exposed to storm, flooding and tsunamis. “Small island states like Fiji are increasingly vulnerable to tsunami risk,” Mr Vakadravuyaca said.
“Rapid urbanisation and tourism in tsunami prone regions are putting more people in harms way.
“It is critical to reduce risks to achieve sustainable reduction in disaster mortality. Before it is essential and it is critical, investment is made in early warning systems in educating our people in knowing what to do when there is a tsunami.”
He said conducting the tsunami drills every month in Suva and surrounding suburbs was critical.
“Most tsunami drills are carried so more people are familiar with the sound of the tsunami sirens and to the actual response plan.”
The Department of Mineral Resources, he said, was responsible for conducting awareness programs in coastal areas.
“We as a nation should invest in infrastructure that are built to last so that lives are saved.”
