Concerns raised why surprise tsunami warning siren tests were carried without any alerts or warnings

Concerns have been raised on why surprise tsunami warning siren tests were carried out this morning in Suva and Lami without any alerts to inform people and workplaces that it was just a communications test.

Fijivillage received many calls after the emergency tsunami sirens started going off this morning.

Many people say they were concerned and were ready to evacuate.

Fijivillage has sought clarification from the National Disaster Management Office on why the sirens were on.

They said that it was a surprise test communications test.

This caused panic in a number of areas.

When questioned on the issue, National Disaster Management Office Director, Anare Leweniqila said that they had decided to do surprise test which will now be done on the 5th of every month.

Leweniqila says they will also work with other agencies from the next month.

When asked on whether the sirens going off every month would make the people complacent and not react to the sirens when a real tsunami warning is issued, Leweniqila believes this won’t be the case as it will be done on the 5th of every month and they will now advise the public one week prior to the date of the test.