Many people still struggling to rebuild their homes - Cawaki

Many people are still struggling to rebuild their homes, livelihoods and communities since February 2016.

Every year at this time, our minds turn once again to the approaching cyclone season.

This was highlighted by the Assistant Minister for Agriculture Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Joeli Cawaki at the launch of the National Disaster Awareness Week.

Cawaki stressed that now is the time for government and DISMAC, line ministries, statutory authorities, businesses and civil society organizations to review their plans for disaster preparedness. 

He says that over the next few days, the NDMO and its partners will broadcast disaster preparedness information via radio and television, on cyclones, floods, storm surges and tsunamis.

Cawaki confirms that over the next few months, the NDMO and its partners will also roll out educational material and practical drills throughout Fiji on tsunamis and tsunami response, so that we can all prepare for this type of natural disaster risks.

He says early next year, the NDMO with the Disaster Preparedness Committee will also address the preparedness needed for water shortages.

Cawaki says that we must accept that Climate Change is here to stay, and will bring with it a range of disasters, and we must take extra steps based on that knowledge.

The National Disaster Management Office will also open the National Operating Centre to school students during the Open Day this Friday as part of National Disaster Awareness Week.