As Fiji approaches its cyclone season, which spans from November to April, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, has highlighted the crucial need for households to prepare adequately. According to forecasts from the Fiji Meteorological Service, the upcoming 2024-25 cyclone season may see one to two tropical cyclones affect Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone, with the possibility of one reaching a severe category (3-5).
Minister Ditoka stressed the importance of individual readiness alongside agency preparedness, urging families to equip themselves for potential cyclones. He expressed concern over the growing threats posed by climate-related disasters, noting that children and youth are particularly affected, enduring long-term disruptions to their education, nutrition, and healthcare.
“Integrating the needs and voices of our youth into disaster risk reduction strategies is essential to safeguard their future and that of Fiji,” said Mr. Ditoka. He referenced the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which underlines the significance of empowering young individuals to play an active role in shaping disaster strategies. This focus aligns with the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework, which promotes the meaningful involvement of youth and cultivates a culture of disaster prevention.
He emphasized that by investing in education and empowering the younger generation, Fiji can equip these future leaders with the necessary tools to protect themselves and influence positive change within their communities. This initiative is particularly timely as Fiji seeks to strengthen early warning systems under the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All initiative.
Overall, this call to action is a reminder of the power of community resilience in the face of climate challenges, and the importance of proactive measures to ensure a safer future for all, especially the youth.
In summary, as Fiji prepares for the cyclone season, the government’s focus on household preparedness and youth engagement presents a hopeful strategy toward building resilience against the impacts of climate-related disasters.
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