Innovative technology from Japan will help Fiji to prevent possible natural catastrophes.
NADI- Over the past 50 years, natural disasters such as flash floods, hurricane or cyclones have affected the life of almost four million people in the Pacific. This is an enormous amount as it represents 50% of the current population, making the region one of the most disaster prone and vulnerable in the world. Since 2009 Fiji alone has reported over US$ 83 million in damage has been generated by natural disasters. Australia has been supporting communities for a long time by providing training to locals. Last week, a new initiative between Japan and Fiji is due to lessen the impact of natural disasters. In front of media, Fiji Ministry of Works deputy secretary Malakai Tadulala declared that this would soon be a thing of the past through new innovative technology that the Japanese Government has offered to provide funding for through JICA, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.
Mr Tadualala said that, “the initial proposed phase will include five sea tide measuring equipments that will be installed in Labasa, Wairiki in Vanua Levu, Rakiraki, Korolevu Serua and Natovi in Tailevu”. “Two automatic Weather stations will be installed in Labasa and Laucala Bay, Suva, Five satellite communications equipments in the Lau group on Viwa, Yasawa and Vunikodi point in Vanua Levu”, he added. A Doppler radar will also been installed at Nadi International Airport, the most powerful instrument of its kind so far.
JICA Chief representative Shumon Yoshiara reassured the Fijian Government that these equipments will be efficient especially for Pacific Island countries that are prone to disasters. The equipments when installed will be linked to the Japanese Meteorological agencies around the world including Japan, Hawaii, USA, Fiji and the Pacific region.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
