Fiji is among several countries worldwide utilizing the Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS). This was highlighted by Hwirin Kim, head of the World Meteorological Organization 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, Mrs. Kim stated that Fiji, along with 73 other countries, was rated highly in using the flood system.
The FFGS is a crucial tool for forecasting and managing flash floods, which are some of the most lethal natural disasters globally. It was created to tackle the lack of capacity in developing effective flash flood warnings and provides real-time guidance to meteorological and hydrological forecasters.
Mrs. Kim pointed out that Fiji is the only country in the Pacific using the system. “They implement it and collaborate with the National Disaster Management Office, sharing all information in English, local languages, and other languages to warn the public.”
“Fiji serves as a model for other islands, sharing their experiences so that other islands can learn from them. Fiji is a leading country among the Pacific islands.”
She mentioned that although Fiji has yet to be designated as the FFGS business center in the Pacific, it is a strong candidate for becoming the regional center for FFGS in the Pacific.
They aim to prioritize the early warning of flood systems 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, underscored the importance of supporting the project, as early warnings save lives, reduce suffering, and mitigate the economic impact of disasters.