Fiji becomes first Small Island State to launch forecast-based cyclone action plan

Fiji has made history as the first Small Island Developing State in the Pacific to adopt a fully approved Simplified Early Action Protocol for Tropical Cyclones — a move that positions the country at the forefront of forecast-based, locally led disaster preparedness in one of the world’s most cyclone-exposed regions.

With climate-driven cyclones becoming more intense and destructive, the Fiji Red Cross Society’s new protocol allows humanitarian teams to release funding and take life-saving measures before a cyclone makes landfall — rather than waiting for devastation to unfold.

The new protocol has pre-agreed funding that will be automatically unlocked when cyclone forecast triggers are met.

This funding will protect people who are most at risk — distributing safe shelter kits, boat-strengthening materials, safe water storage supplies and early health alerts to communities in a cyclone’s projected path.

Director General of the Fiji Red Cross Society, Ragigia Dawai says this marks a significant shift for Fiji and for our region.

Dawai says we are moving from reacting after a cyclone hits to acting in advance with clear triggers, ready resources and strong local partnerships.

She says for communities on the frontline of the climate crisis, this means we can protect lives and livelihoods when it matters most — before the winds rise and the seas surge. The Director General says this protocol is the first of its kind approved for any National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in a Small Island Developing State and it aligns closely with Fiji’s National Adaptation Plan and National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy, reflecting a whole-of-society push for smarter, anticipatory disaster management.

She says Fiji is among the countries most exposed to tropical cyclones — with an average of seven per season.

Ragigia says recent storms like Cyclone Winston and Cyclone Yasa have caused millions of dollars in damage and cost many lives.

She says with the ocean warming, the threat is only growing.

Under the new plan, Fiji Red Cross Society will work alongside partners including the International Organization for Migration and the Food and Agriculture Organization to preposition supplies and deliver targeted support which includes distributing safe shelter kits, strengthening boats, securing crops, and ensuring communities have access to safe water — all before a cyclone hits.

Australian Red Cross Head of Portfolio Development (International and Climate) Veronica Bell says this is about using every dollar more effectively.

Bell says anticipatory action like this provides local actors with predictable funding so they can reduce the impacts of disasters and protect people before they lose everything.

She says the new approach is part of a global shift towards forecast-based financing, which research shows can save multiple dollars in recovery costs for every dollar invested in early action.

Bell adds Fiji’s new protocol is expected to serve as a model for other Pacific nations looking to strengthen resilience against worsening climate threats.