Climate risks demand better preparedness in Fiji

Director of Fiji's National Disaster Risk Management Office, Napolioni Boseiwaq, stated that climate change is exposing significant gaps in disaster preparedness among the nation's vulnerable communities. He highlighted that the increasing frequency of localized flooding serves as a clear indicator of escalating climate impacts.

These intensified climate effects are placing greater pressure on communities that are already at risk. Boseiwaq emphasized that while Fiji has not recently experienced a major cyclone, the growing prevalence of smaller-scale, localized weather events underscores the urgent need for enhanced preparedness measures.

The director's remarks point to a critical challenge facing Fiji: adapting to the tangible effects of climate change. The focus is shifting towards strengthening community resilience and improving response mechanisms to mitigate the risks posed by more frequent and severe weather-related incidents.