Fiji loses $2.5 billion to cyclones

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From left: Civil servants Akuila Tabuaniqili, Jone Mateiwai, Mere Daveta and Miriama Rayaseyase during the National Disaster Awareness Week launch in Ba. Picture: REPEKA NASIKO

Over the past 10 years, Fiji has recorded a loss of almost $2.5 billion because of the impact of nine tropical cyclones.

Defence, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Minister Inia Seruiratu said this while speaking at the launch of the National Disaster Awareness Week in Ba yesterday.

He said this represented close to 1.3 per cent of Fiji’s GDP. “Since 2010, nine cyclones have struck our islands; levelling homes, taking lives, and flooding arable farmland,” he said.

“Total damage and loss recorded at $2.42 billion representing 1.25 per cent of total gross domestic product (GDP) of the country from the years 2010 to 2020.

“The housing sector has sustained the most damages of $875 million, followed by the education sector at $789 million and the agriculture sector with $677 million respectively.”

He said with the impact of climate change, these storms would become more severe.

“From 2007 to 2019 a total of 64 deaths were recorded that were cyclone related. “Of that, 26 are drowning related incidents. Of the 26, 17 are drowning victims reported from the Western Division.

“These numbers are alarming, and we need to work together to ensure the numbers don’t rise.”

He said the figures highlighted the need for increased public awareness.

“The launch of National Disaster Awareness Week is our solemn reminder of the duty of care we hold to ourselves and our communities.

“It is our opportunity to reflect on the lessons of past tragedy, and prepare our nation for the future storms brewing beyond the horizon.”

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