Page 11 - IB February 2025

We Say We Say

PREPARE NOW FOR

EMERGENCIES

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Traditionally the Pacific cyclone season spans the months from November and
GPO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands.
March.
Tel: +679 9209375
But with temperatures rising constantly, every year brings a new facet to
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the climate change phenomenon and the potential for cyclones outside of the
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traditional period has increased dramatically.
Since records began in 1847 there have been 57 depressions or cyclones outside Circulation & Distribution
of the November-March period with 33 in May. subs@islandsbusiness.com
Cyclones develop during extremely hot periods, so as temperatures rise, so does Finance
the potential for increased cyclonic activity. finance@islandsbusiness.com
Two of the Pacific’s deadliest cyclones – Bebe in 1972 which left 27 dead in
Fiji and Namu in 1986 which killed 100 in the Solomons – occurred outside the Fiji stockists
recognized cyclone season. Baka Books - 23 McGregor Rd, Suva
It pays, therefore, to remain vigilant at all times and remain in a state of Dominion Bookshop - BSP Life Building Arcade, Suva
preparedness. Ginger Kitchen - Fiji Museum
Trees must be trimmed regularly, gutters and drains cleaned, fresh water stored Malo - Garden City, Raiwai
and repairs made to homes when possible. Every home must have an evacuation Maui Bay TOTAL Service Station - Lot 15, Maui Bay Estates
plan and a bag of essential items ready at all times. Palm Court Bistro - QBE Arcade, Victoria Parade, Suva
This bag would contain medicine, a first aid kit, clothes, some canned food,
candles, matches, a radio with batteries, and documentation such as birth Raiwaqa Bakery - Flagstaff & Nausori
certificates, identification cards. And passports. The Projects Collective - Colova Estate (The Beachouse),
Coral Coast, Korolevu
Every family must also know the location of and directions to the nearest USP Book Centre - USP Laucala Campus, Suva
evacuation centre. Vuda Marina General Store - Vuda Marina, Lautoka
Previous disasters have shown that cyclones with associated damaging winds and Vuetibau Kiosk - Nausori International Airport, Nausori
flood waters can descend upon a community within a matter of hours. Yees Xpressmart - Unit S22, Port Denarau, Nadi
Quick, decisive action is critical during these times. Securing property and
livestock must take place during daylight and families should evacuate while roads Regional
are clear of flood water. ASCC Le Bookstore - Pago Pago, American Samoa
The later families leave preparation and evacuation, the greater the risk they Friendly Islands Bookshop – Nuku’alofa, Tonga
pose to themselves and others. Heritage Park Hotel – Honiara, Solomon Islands
Casualties can be avoided if weather reports are timely and people listen to Naoero Postal Service Corporation (Nauru Post) – Civic
Centre, Aiwo District, Nauru
advice from the authorities while using common sense.
Belau National Museum - Koror, Palau
Some families must make special arrangements for members who need assistance
to reach safety. Those plans must be made during clear weather and all members of Samoa Stationery and Books - Apia, Samoa
the household should be aware of their roles and responsibilities. Tuvalu Post - Funafuti, Tuvalu
Some communities and families have implemented emergency procedures and Vanuatu Post - Port Vila, Vanuatu
created their own evacuation centres. This is commendable but not affordable to Yap Cooperative Association – Colonia, YAP, FSM
everyone.
For most Pacific households, radio and decisive, timely action will be the key to
survival in a natural disaster.
The time to act is now.

Islands Business, February 2025 11