Disasters in Fiji

Flooding is especially significant in western Fiji and low-lying areas of the Central, Eastern and Northern divisions. Landslides can affect mountainous areas, particularly in southeastern Viti Levu. Tsunamis threaten coastal settlements on the main islands and maritime islands, while drought and forest fires are more prominent in northern and western areas. A tropical cyclone can create several linked emergencies at once: heavy rain can cause flooding and landslides, while damage to roads, bridges, electricity, water supply and telecommunications can isolate communities. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NDMO) coordinates national disaster response. The National Disaster Management Council, divisional commissioners, district officers, Fiji Meteorological and Hydrological Services, Fiji Police, the National Fire Authority, the Fiji Roads Authority, the Water Authority of Fiji, Health Fiji, Fiji Red Cross and humanitarian clusters contribute according to the event. Emergency Operations Centres operate at national, divisional and district levels when the situation requires coordinated action. Households and communities can prepare by storing sufficient drinking water and food, charging essential devices, securing buildings, cutting dangerous overhanging branches and supporting people who may need help. Planning should account for transport, communications and supplies on remote or maritime islands. Communities may use Community-Based Disaster Risk Management training, hazard mapping, public warning arrangements and pre-identified Evacuation Centres to improve readiness. Fiji Met provides official weather and tropical-cyclone information, including forecasts, outlooks, marine bulletins, radar and satellite information. A flood alert means that conditions could produce flooding; a flood warning means flooding is imminent or already occurring and people should act. NDMO advisories, local authorities, radio and other local media add practical instructions. Tsunami warnings use Pacific warning systems and national communication channels. A nearby earthquake may produce waves within minutes, so there may be little or no time for a formal warning. During flooding or a tsunami threat, follow official instructions, move to higher ground or an open Evacuation Centre, avoid rivers, fords, drains and flooded roads, limit travel and supervise children. For a tsunami, move inland or to higher ground immediately rather than waiting for an all-clear or checking the shoreline. The 2023 tsunami drill treated coastal areas below 10 metres above sea level and within 1 kilometre of the shoreline as a danger zone; local maps and instructions take priority. People with disabilities, children, older people, people who are ill, pregnant people, island households and animals should be included in evacuation planning. Emergency contacts include Police on 917 and the National Fire Authority on 910. Infrastructure contacts include EFL on 913, the Fiji Roads Authority on 5720 and the Water Authority of Fiji on 5777. The NDMO number is 679-3319250. Divisional Emergency Operations Centres include Central on 679-3477000 or 679-3475910, Western on 679-9937519, Eastern on 679-3216489 and Northern on 679-8811322. Centre opening, local contacts and access conditions depend on the specific event. Assistance is coordinated through the Fiji Cluster System. Depending on the damage assessment and activated response, support can include shelter, food, water and sanitation, medical care, search and rescue, protection, logistics and repair of essential infrastructure. Affected communities qualify for response assistance according to the situation and the government's damage and needs assessment; no general nationwide cash payment or compensation promise should be assumed. International assistance normally follows government request and coordination arrangements, while households may still face private costs for transport, supplies and repairs. Recovery can include relief, rehabilitation, restoration of water, communications, roads, bridges, public services and local economic activity, followed by reconstruction and a review of the disaster response. Temporary or permanent relocation may be considered under relocation and displacement guidance, but timing depends on the event and location. Fiji's disaster-management framework includes the Natural Disaster Management Act 1998, while the NDMO also lists a National Disaster Risk Management Act 2024; the currently applicable legal provisions should be checked before relying on detailed legal powers or duties.