A National Tsunami Drill initially scheduled for late October has been deferred to allow major responding agencies to complete preparation and conduct necessary awareness.
Initiated by Government to minimize disaster risks and the potential threats of tsunamis, the National Tsunami Drill will test warning systems, communication systems, and evacuation plans for all coastal communities in Fiji.
Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development, Disaster Management Meleti Bainimarama says that although the drill has been deferred, all families, schools, and communities in tsunami hazard zones should ensure they have a tsunami evacuation plan and a designated safe zone.
Bainimarama says there are questions that we must begin to ask each other for tsunami preparedness.
He says the questions are - “Is my family, school, or business situated in a safe zone or danger zone? What is the tsunami evacuation plan for my family, school, or workplace? What is my tsunami evacuation route when a warning is given? How can I ensure the elderly in my home and community are safely evacuated?”
Meleti Bainimarama adds that the drill is a massive national undertaking and will now take place on a date to be decided by Cabinet.
