Tsunami Evacuation Drill Exercise for Cluster 1 Schools was launched by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Disaster Management and Meteorological Services, Inia Seruiratu yesterday.
Speaking at the launch at the National War Memorial Complex in Veiuto, Suva Minister Seruiratu said tsunamis have the greatest potential to have a devastating impact on a large segment of Fiji’s population.
The schools covered in the drill were those located along Laucala Bay and Nasese.
“Tsunamis can hit with very little or no warning, adequate preparedness is of the utmost importance. Proper planning for a tsunami will save the lives of our loved ones. To achieve this goal, tsunami preparedness is important because it is the best way to ensure the safety of our families and protection of properties and assets,” Minister Seruiratu said.
He said this year’s National Disaster Awareness Week theme ‘Be Tsunami Ready’ is appropriate because the last tsunami to affect Suva was way back in 1953.
“It was over 65 years ago, most Fijians today are unfamiliar or have no first-hand experiences with tsunamis. We need to ensure that Fiji is constantly ready and prepared for a tsunami event.”
“Our emergency operators need to be adequately prepared for such an operation. Our schools, teachers, and students need to be prepared for tsunami events,” he said.
Minister Seruiratu said the Tsunami Evacuation Exercise was just the beginning of a big undertaking.
More schools, business and communities in Suva and throughout Fiji will participate in similar exercises in the coming months.