Asia-Pacific Network: 23 January 1999
DISASTERS: FIJI'S SLOW RESPONSE TO FLASH FLOODS DRAWS CRITICISM
Flash floods in the Fiji Islands have left at least seven people dead as Cyclone Dani struck Vanuatu and spared the Loyalty Islands. But as the Fiji Government pours more than $2 million into relief, newspapers and community leaders have begun asking hard questions about the slow response.
Flooding disaster updates and earlier reports
TOUGH questions are being asked by newspapers and community leaders in the Fiji Islands as the country mounts a $2 million plus relief program in the wake of devastation by flash floods in western Viti Levu.
Cyclone Dani savaged Vanuatu and spared New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands in a week-long trail of damage. However, although it skirted Fiji the torrential rain left at least seven people died in floods described as the country's worst in half a century.
Now news media and community leaders are demanding to know why the country was not warned by its weather forecasters and why the Fiji Government took so long to respond.
The Government declared the Western Division a disaster area almost a week after the flooding devastated the region.
Deputy Prime Minister Taufa Vakatale announced the Government's plans after cabinet considered a report on the damage by the National Disaster Management Centre (DISMAC). This came while two further cyclones were developing near New Caledonia, raising fears of more rain and floods in Fiji.
The committee report estimated destruction to infrastructure at about $2.2 million. But the Government also earmarked up to $8 million for relief.
Arrangements were made by Ministry of Regional Development officials to deliver emergency food supplies to the flood victims - some two days after the Fiji Red Cross had already mounted a relief operation.
Other countries in the region also helped with relief grants, Papua New Guinea giving $150,000 and New Zealand offering $50,000.
"Now that the Government has declared the flood stricken Western Division as a disaster area, the focus of attention must be directed at people who are worst affected," the Daily Post said.
"Far too often we hear reports of how officials, politicians and others who offer their services turn the vulnerability of victims for their personal or political gain."
The Daily Post also cautioned against widespread abuse of the emergency powers and duplication of relief efforts by political parties out to gain advantage.
"Let us hope that this will not be another disaster in which too many cooks spoil the soup," the paper added.
The Fiji Times challenged the country's preparedness for the disaster and highlighted the slowness of DISMAC to respond to the emergency.
The newspaper launched its own disaster appeal, kicking off the fundraising with its own donation of $50,000.
"Many people wonder why the nation, particularly the Western Division, was caught completely by surprise when the worst floods on record carried away all in their path," the Fiji Times said.
"With all its sophisticated forecasting equipment, the Nadi Weather Office may well have seen the approaching calamity but didn't issue a warning.
"If the Weather Office didn't see it coming, we need to know why not. If it saw the approaching disaster but did not communicate its fears to anyone, this too should be explained.
"The absence of warning was compounded by a lack of equipment on the ground which in turn was compounded by a comparable lack of preparation."
The Fiji Times pointed out that a report detailing plans to prevent massive flooding in Nadi had been "gathering dust" on a Government shelf while the people of the town suffered.
There have also been calls for a river monitoring system to supply quick information on water levels and flood risks.
The newspaper called for these reports and appeals to be taken seriously.
In October 1972, Cyclone Bebe - described as the worst hirricane to hit Fiji - devastated Western towns with wind and rain.
The Rewa River was reported 15 feet above normal. At Namuamua, near Navua, the river rose to a phenomenal 60 feet above normal.
Cyclone Bebe took 25 lives - 19 in Fiji and and six in Tuvalu.
Fiji also suffered serious flooding in 1964 and 1965.
Satirical columnist Netani Rika, writing in the Fiji Times, compiled his own disaster assessment in the wake of Cyclone Dani:
"Well, the water has gone and it's time for the civil servants to grind into action.
"All those disaster assessment reports must be filled out. In triplicate, of course.
"Trips have to be made, reports compiled, rations bought and supplied.
"And, of course, there has to be yaqona. To stimulate and motivate. That's despite the the Public Service Commission order which prohibits yaqona in Government offices.
"So, if you wonder why the disaster assessment is so lacking there is a perfectly valid reason. It's too dangerous to risk the lives of civil servants."