The Government of Korea has stepped in to assist flood-prone communities in the Western Division with its disaster preparedness and response by giving about $1 million worth of flood early warning systems.
Ministry of Disaster Management permanent secretary Isoa Talemaibua received the handover certificate for the project from Choi Woojung, the acting director general for Korea’s NDMI.
Mr Talemaibua said one of the major challenges Fijians experienced in the past was the absence of an early warning system at community level.
“As a result, most of them were stranded in their homes or causing them to take risks to get to safe areas,”
Mr Talemaibua said.
“It also caused first responders to at times risk their lives to evacuate, search and rescue the stranded.
“However, through this project, this challenge will be addressed as communities will now have their own early warning system.
“I also understand that this project will be extended to the other divisions, particularly those that are living within the floodprone areas.”
Mr Talemaibua said the project included the installation of a flood early warning system within the Ba Province catchment, encompassing four rainfall stations, seven water level stations, and six warning posts.
He said the objective of the joint project was to offer early warnings to vulnerable communities, facilitating timely evacuations to safeguard lives and properties during flood events.
“I have been told that the project cost is worth $1m and therefore, I would like to acknowledge the Korean Government (NDMI) for its investment towards providing support and improving disaster preparedness and response in Fiji.”
The project commenced on May 1 this year.
