Fiji must continue to strengthen its tsunami readiness through sustained investment, science, and community action, says Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo.
Speaking as chief guest at the World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025 held in Suva, Mr Vosarogo said this year’s theme, “Be Tsunami Ready: Invest in Tsunami Preparedness”, served as a reminder that resilience was something that must be built and maintained through containment and partnership.
He said as an island nation surrounded by ocean, Fiji’s safety and future depended on how well it prepared for potential threats.
“Tsunamis are amongst the world’s deadliest natural hazards.
“Preparedness is not an expense; it is an investment in protection and resilience.”
Mr Vosarogo highlighted government initiatives aimed at improving early warning and community response, including an upgrade to the National Seismic Network worth more than $1million, the expansion of the tsunami siren network from Suva to the Coral Coast and the Western Division, and the review of the National Tsunami Response Plan to reflect new science and policy developments.
He said Fiji now had eight new tsunami ready communities, with Cuvu District serving as the country’s pilot site.
Reflecting on the 1953 Suva tsunami and the 2022 Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai event, Mr Vosarogo said these disasters underscored Fiji’s vulnerability and the importance of swift communication and coordination.
He thanked partners such as Japan, the IOM, and regional organisations for their continued collaboration, describing partnership as “the backbone of preparedness”.
The event also featured an oratory contest where Ruth Rabukawaqa of Veiuto Primary School and Romeo Rarogokica of MGM High School scooped the top prizes in their respective categories.
