National Tsunami Drill will be conducted in October

A National Tsunami Drill will be conducted in Fiji late October to raise levels of preparedness and practical evacuation experience for tsunamis.

It will be a national exercise to test warning systems, communication systems and evacuation plans for all coastal communities in Fiji.

This will be the first time Fiji will be testing its national tsunami preparedness.

Permanent Secretary for National Disaster Management Meleti Bainimarama says after a local earthquake, a tsunami could reach Fiji in as few as eight minutes causing massive loss of lives, infrastructure and property loss.

He says planning and exercises for the National Tsunami Drill have been ongoing since early this year.

Two national communication drills have been held for the Mineral Resources Department, National Disaster Management Office, government ministries, statutory authorities, civil society organisations and the media.

He says that a prominent awareness and media campaign will also take place to increase understanding of tsunami risks and details of the national drill.

Bainimarama says subject to Cabinet approval, the National Tsunami Drill could take place as early as the 27th of next month.