Fiji is among the many countries utilizing the Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS). This was highlighted by Hwirin Kim, head of the World Meteorological Organization’s Hydrological and Water Resources Division Services Department, during the Pacific Early Warning System for Floods and Flash Flooding Guidance System meeting at the Novotel Hotel in Nadi.
Kim noted that Fiji is considered one of the best among 73 countries in employing the flood system. The FFGS is a vital tool for forecasting and managing flash floods, which are some of the world’s deadliest natural disasters. The system was designed to address the shortage of capacity for creating effective flash flood warnings and provides real-time guidance to meteorological and hydrological forecasters.
Kim stated that Fiji is the only country in the Pacific with the system. She praised Fiji for effectively implementing it and collaborating with the National Disaster Management Office to disseminate information. The information is shared not only in English but also in local language bulletins and other languages, providing vital warnings to the public.
Fiji serves as an exemplary model for other islands in sharing its experience, Kim said, indicating that other islands can learn from Fiji’s leadership among the Pacific islands. Although Fiji has not yet been designated as the FFGS business center in the Pacific, Kim mentioned that it is a strong candidate for becoming the regional center for FFGS in the Pacific.
The focus remains on the early warning system for floods project, funded by 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 save lives, reduce suffering, and mitigate the economic impacts of disasters.