Fiji is among several countries utilizing the Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS), a critical tool for forecasting and managing flash floods. This information was highlighted by Hwirin Kim, the head of the World Meteorological Organization’s Hydrological and Water Resources Division Services Department, during the Pacific Early Warning System for Floods (EWS-F) and Flash Flooding Guidance System (FFGS) meeting in Nadi.
Kim praised Fiji for being one of the best users of the flood system, which is currently employed by 73 countries worldwide. The FFGS was specifically designed to address the lack of capacity for developing effective flash flood warnings and provides real-time guidance to meteorological and hydrological forecasters.
Fiji stands out as the only country in the Pacific using the system. “They work closely with the National Disaster Management Office and share all relevant information, not only in English but also in local languages to give warnings to the public,” Kim said. She emphasized that Fiji serves as a valuable example for other Pacific islands, sharing its experience and knowledge.
Although Fiji has not yet been designated as the FFGS business center for the Pacific, Kim mentioned that it is a strong candidate for becoming the regional center. The focus remains on the early warning of floods system project, 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, highlighted the importance of supporting the project, stating that early warnings save lives, reduce suffering, and minimize the economic impact of disasters.