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Fiji is in the middle of a “hydrological drought” that is expected to last until December or January says National Disaster Management Committee (DISMAC) acting director Pajiliai Dobui.
Dobui told FijiLive the conclusion was reached today after reports were presented by the Department of Hydrology, Fiji Meteorological Services and the Ministry of Public Utilities and Works Department at a meeting at the DISMAC offices in Suva.
“We have come to a resolution after listening to these reports that Fiji is currently going through a hydrological drought.” Dobui said.
Dr Sushil Sharma of the Meteorological Office said this type of drought is far more serious than meteorological and agricultural droughts. A hydrological drought refers to deficiencies in surface and subsurface water supplies. It is measured as stream flow and lake, reservoir and groundwater levels.
Sharma said the drought season still had some two to three months to go without any marked improvements.
“The drought is expected to break during the December 2010 to January 2011 with two months of normal wet season rainfall,” Sharma stated.
Dobui also said that DISMAC had advised all the different agencies to set up their own programs on ways to help their local communities through this drought.
“We’ve advised the officials of the three main divisions, (western, northern and central) to set up their own contingency programs and to keep us updated on their daily progress. In turn we will report all of these updates to the Prime Minister where he will decide whether to declare a national state of drought.”
Dobui said that DISMAC had not made any moves yet to seek financial assistance from overseas agencies.
Reporter: Repeka Nasiko
