Super El Niño raises alarm nationwide

Fiji is on high alert as warnings for a "Super El Niño" event remain in place, signaling the potential for a prolonged dry spell, strain on electricity supply, and significant disruptions to agriculture. The National Disaster Risk Management Office is collaborating closely with the Fiji Meteorological Service to monitor weather forecasts and formulate comprehensive national preparedness strategies.

Napolioni Boseiwaqa, Director of the National Disaster Risk Management Office, highlighted that El Niño conditions are characteristically associated with drier weather patterns. He emphasized that the office is actively planning measures to mitigate the potential impacts across various sectors. The agriculture sector is expected to face considerable pressure, with crop production likely to be affected by reduced rainfall.

Boseiwaqa also cautioned about the potential impact on energy supply. Reduced water levels in reservoirs could affect hydroelectric power generation, potentially placing a strain on Fiji's electricity grid. This underscores the interconnectedness of climate phenomena and essential services.

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The agriculture sector, obviously crops will be affected. So these are all the implications that we will start thinking about and start putting in place measures to mitigate those potential impacts.

In response, ADRA Fiji Country Director Iliapi Tuwai stated that preparedness efforts are being intensified through national programs designed to bolster community resilience. These initiatives aim to equip communities with the knowledge and resources to take action before disasters strike. The focus is on ensuring communities are mobilized and prepared to respond effectively when warnings of impending disasters, such as cyclones or flooding, are issued.

Fiji is actively strengthening its early warning systems and preparedness measures. The goal is to minimize the potential adverse effects of the Super El Niño on its communities and vital economic sectors, ensuring a more resilient response to the anticipated climatic challenges.

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So to work in line with that, this platform will help them to be prepared and take action before any disaster arrives. So when we hear a disaster or cyclone or flooding that is coming, the communities are already mobilised to be prepared and at the same time take action.