With the death toll nearing 200 following the tsunami which hit our neighbours Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga last Wednesday, one of the parties involved in the setting up of the Fiji tsunami warning system, said we must act now to prevent a similar disaster.
Safeway Electronics Director Tauz Khan said the late issuance of the tsunami warning last Wednesday is worrying, especially as children were already making their way to school.
Meanwhile the other party also involved in the setting up of the warning system said they stand ready to help. Vodafone Fiji Manager Corporate Affairs Shalendra Prasad said they are committed to seeing the project through.
Prasad had earlier stated that they had tested the tsunami early warning system through their text message services and it works, however adding they do not have the authority to issue such warnings until the green light is given from the relevant Ministry.
In Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga attention is switching to bringing relief to the homeless and injured.
Nearly 200 people are now believed dead in the three islands while on a stretch of coastline where the tsunami upended hundreds of tonnes of rubble, sand and soil, recovery workers are searching for more bodies.
Officials say they haven't given up hope of finding anyone alive, but the focus of the operation has shifted - recovering bodies and providing for the survivors are now the priorities.
Also, while the Fiji Government awaits a response from Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga on what type of assistance is needed, certain organisations and groups have taken the initiative to either set up an appeal or fundraise to help the tsunami survivors.
Assistant District Governor for Rotary Fiji, Bob Niranjan said they have been sending clothes, shoes and tinned food to Samoa and would appreciate help.
The Fiji Red Cross has set up a public appeal for the tsunami victims and members of the public who would like to make a contribution to this appeal can deposit their donations to:
The Red cross Pacific Tsunami Appeal, Account number: 1044-0224, at the ANZ Bank, Swift Code ANZBFUX. Donations can also be dropped at the Fiji Red Cross National Office at 22 Gorrie St.
Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies and USP are selling Samoa Seis or feathered head pieces for $3.
Oceania Acting Director, Francis Koya said other initiatives includes a fundraiser dance and music concert featuring local and pacific musicians and dancers this Thursday, at the Holiday Inn from 5-10pm with tickets at $20 and a raffle for paintings, sculpture and jewellery contributed by 15 visual artists with tickets at $20 each with proceeds to go towards the tsunami victims.
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We need to implement tsunami warning system now-Khan
