A collaboration between the Ministry of Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management and National Disaster Management Research Institute (NDMI) of Korea aims to improve flood warning systems in the country.
Disaster Management Minister Sakiasi Ditoka has confirmed a $1 million funding support from NDMI has resulted in the installation of flood early warning systems which encompass four rainfall stations, seven water level stations, and six warning posts.
These are set to benefit vulnerable communities located within the Ba province catchment area. And Mr Ditoka said this was a model that can be in other flood-prone communities across Fiji.
He said with flooding being one of Fiji’s major challenges, the absence of an early warning system at the community level often led to people being stranded and put the lives of first responders at risk during evacuation or search and rescue operations.
Mr Ditoka also said they had tested the system.
“We were there and it’s really working well,” he said.
However, he also urged members of the community to treat these gadgets with care.
“We need to keep an eye out, it’s got a lot of valuable parts that needs to be looked after.
“That’s the one issue that we need to ask the members of the public; not to tinker around with it because it’s not going to play the role it’s supposed to play if people are removing parts like the solar panels.
“Just when we need it, it doesn’t work and it’s useless, so we call on the public to look after it as their own.”
He said this was something that would save lives if something happens, especially at night.
“Yes, we have tested it, and it is working really well at the moment. It’s a very impressive piece of gadgetry, high-tech and we are thankful to the Korean NDMI for their contribution.
“Looking forward to other donor partners if they are willing, it would be very helpful to us in our quest to look after everyone.”
