Tropical Cyclone Winston
Timoci Gaunavinaka, Nausori
In the ranking of the five most strongest cyclones in the world, it lists Hayian of the Philippines in 2013, Winston of Fiji in 2016, Joan of Taiwan in 1959, Labor Day Hurricane in the USA in 1935 and Megi of the Philippines in 2010.
While “Hayian” killed 7400 people, “Joan” killed 768, “Labor Day” killed 408 and “Megi” killed 73, our World’s second strongest Tropical Cyclone Winston could only claim 42 lives so far.
While population density of affected areas and standard of dwelling may play a role in these figures, we are still blessed to be rated second strongest and yet record minimum loss of lives.
Professor Biman Prasad shows good character in his support of the Prime Minister’s efforts. This is not a time to point fingers or criticise.
It is a time for all to unite and work together and assist our affected people in their recovery irrespective of their ethnicity or political affiliation.
Some social media criticisms showed their level of mentality. They think that Government officials are just cruising like tourists and doing sightseeing on those helicopters.
For the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to know what to send where, they first need to survey and assess affected areas, determine accessibility and transportation routes for aid delivery, approximate population affected to calculate quantity of rations to be delivered and how long will it last.
If we do that conventionally from the ground it may take us six months with various inaccuracies due to personal bias and inconsistent benchmarks. With the current system, photos don’t lie.
If no assessment is done then we might as well roll a dice or deal a pack of cards to determine who gets what and what to send where. Some may prefer to “Sapui”.
Water Authority of Fiji
Josua Naviriba, Nasinu
Vinaka Vakalevu to the Water Authority of Fiji for continuing to make sure all Fijians receive water around the clock especially after Fiji was hit by the Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.
Our water supply has been fully restored but when we were lacking in water they made sure to supply us with water with their water trucks right to our doorstep.
Keep up the good work Opetaia Ravai and team.