Fiji has been struck by 13 disasters with an approximate damage of $3.13 billion and 79 deaths since 2016

The Assistant Minister for Disaster Management, Vijay Nath says Fiji has been struck by 13 natural disasters with an approximate damage cost of $3.13 billion and 79 deaths from 2016.

This includes stronger cyclones, severe and devastating floods, long and distressing drought and looming threat of sea level rise.

He says the renowned category five Super Cyclone Winston made landfall in Fiji as the southern hemisphere’s strongest ever storm.

Nath says in 36 hours, the value of one-third of our GDP was wiped away, 44 lives were lost, 40,000 homes were damaged or destroyed and 350 schools were affected.

He adds for this reason, he is grateful that our visionary Prime Minister has led the climate change fight against the biggest culprit.

Nath says as part of the NDMO’s preparation, they have prepositioned key strategic assets and non-food items in the Western Division and Rotuma and a plan is also in place to move some in the Northern Division this week.

Nath says this will ensure quick deployment of assistance to affected communities in the aftermath of a disaster.