Fiji is one of many countries worldwide utilizing the Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS). This information was shared by Hwirin Kim, head of the World Meteorological Organization’s Hydrological and Water Resources Division Services Department.
Speaking at the Pacific Early Warning System for Floods (EWS-F) and Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) meeting held at the Novotel Hotel in Nadi, Ms. Kim noted that Fiji ranks among the best globally, alongside 73 other countries, in employing the flood system.
FFGS is a vital tool for forecasting and managing flash floods, which are some of the deadliest natural disasters on the planet. The system was created to address the limitations in developing effective flash flood warnings and provides real-time guidance to meteorological and hydrological forecasters.
Ms. Kim highlighted that Fiji is the only country in the Pacific with this system. “They implement it and collaborate with the National Disaster Management Office, sharing information not just in English but also in local languages and other languages as well. They use it to warn the public effectively,” she said.
She praised Fiji as a good example for other islands, suggesting that other Pacific islands could learn from Fiji’s experience and leadership in this area. However, she added that Fiji is yet to be officially designated as the FFGS business center in the Pacific. “We have not decided yet, but Fiji is one of the leading candidates to become the regional center for FFGS in the Pacific,” she stated.
The focus is now on the project for an early warning flood system, which will receive funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Sezin Tokar, a senior hydrometeorological hazard advisor at USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Reduction, emphasized the importance of supporting the project, noting that early warnings are crucial for saving lives, reducing suffering, and mitigating the economic impact of disasters.