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A government decision is expected soon on the establishment of an early warning system for Fiji prompted by the devastation caused by earthquakes and tsunamis in neighbouring islands.
Relevant stakeholders met in Suva yesterday to discuss the matter, amongst other things, and a team later briefed the Prime Minister’s Office.
Fiji tsunami working group chairman, Director of Meteorology Rajendra Prasad, said relevant authorities are looking at introducing sirens and mobile phone texting.
The National Disaster Management Office, which is responsible for coordinating responses to natural disasters in Fiji, is looking to install sirens for the greater Suva area which has the largest concentration of people.
The sirens, like that used in World War II, are estimated to cost around $150,000.
In regards to other coastal areas and remote islands, people there will be alerted by alerts via mobile phones.
Meanwhile, relevant authorities are also looking at the dissemination of proper information to affected areas as unnecessary alarm was raised when an earthquake struck in Vanuatu last Thursday.
“I can say that there was ‘over-warning’ given on radio about a tsunami hitting Fiji,” said Prasad.
“Besides, a tsunami warning is warning to people on coastal areas to move to higher ground and when the warning is canceled they should return to school or work.
“It does not mean that all offices and schools should close or for people on higher ground to flee.”
