AsianScientist (Feb. 6, 2012) – A 15-day state of disaster is currently in effect on the west coast of Fiji that has been ravaged by floods since January 22. 21 active evacuation centers have been set up with a total of 1,333 evacuees.
The state of disaster, declared on January 25 by the Government’s Provincial Development and Multi Ethnic Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary, Colonel Inia Seruiratu, applies to Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Nadroga, Ra, and Tavua.
In a 48-hour period from January 22 to 24, 400 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Nadi, which triggered flooding across the west of Viti Levu.
“Severe flooding and landslides have forced thousands from their homes to seek safety in evacuation centers,” reported the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
“Crops had been washed away; homes, shops, and roads damaged; and communities left with no water or power supply,” said the IFRC.
Eight people lost their lives while an initial assessment has estimated damages to all key sectors to be US$30.6 million. There are currently 51 cases of disease – predominantly diarrhea and typhoid – reported in relation to the flooding.
A recent UNISDR and UNDP publication – Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in the Pacific: an Institutional and Policy Analysis, states that in the Western part of Fiji high intensity floods are becoming more frequent.
In the Nadi area, high intensity floods used to occur every 190 years. By 2100 it is projected that they will occur every 25 years.
“Scientists are exploring the evidence that climate change and developments in low lying flood-prone areas such as Nadi and Ba are contributing factors,” said Angelika Planitz, UNISDR’s Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific.
Harvesting and farming practices may also have contributed to the magnitude and intensity of flooding and the numerous landslides, reports say.
“It is time we relook at our forest code of harvesting practices, see if it is being followed properly; we need to see if we are doing something that is contributing to the situation,” said Forestry Permanent Secretary Viliame Naupoto.
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Source: UNISDR; Photo: Fijiguide.com.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
