Fiji steps up El Niño monitoring and public awareness

Fiji is enhancing its preparedness for potential El Niño conditions, with the government stepping up monitoring and public awareness efforts. The Fiji Meteorological Service has issued an El Niño Watch, prompting authorities to initiate early preparedness measures.

Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, stated the current focus is on close monitoring and public communication. "The Fiji Meteorological Service has activated El Niño Watch and alerted citizens through social media," he said. "As the situation develops, further preparatory measures will be taken. The objective is to ensure early and accurate warnings reach every community."

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The Fiji Meteorological Service has activated El Niño Watch and alerted citizens through social media. As the situation develops, further preparatory measures will be taken. The objective is to ensure early and accurate warnings reach every community.

The National Disaster Management Office will provide details on Fiji’s El Niño Preparedness Plan as needed. Households are urged to rely on official information from government agencies, radio, and verified social media platforms. El Niño, a natural climate pattern, can lead to drier conditions across the Pacific.

Dr. Michael noted that while El Niño can increase drought risk, its effects interact with other climate factors and occur within the context of climate change. Fiji is strengthening its resilience through climate-proof infrastructure, improved water security, community relocation, and disaster management systems. Climate science suggests stronger El Niño events may become more frequent with rising global temperatures.

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While El Niño can increase the risk of prolonged dry conditions and potential drought, it is important to remember that it interacts with various other climate factors and is developing against the background of climate change.