Natural Disasters 

Fiji is blessed with buckets of sunshine but occasional bouts of bad weather and natural disasters can sometimes hugely impact our communities. 

Follow these important safety measures and preparation tips in the event of extreme weather. 
 

How to Prepare for a Tropical Cyclone

A tropical cyclone is a powerful storm that develops over warm ocean waters, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. In some regions, it’s known as a hurricane or typhoon. 

In the south-west Pacific, tropical cyclones typically form during the hot summer months from November to April. They are generally short-lived and vary in strength ranging from tropical depressions (weakest) to Category 5 cyclones (strongest and most destructive). 

Resorts and marinas usually have their own tropical cyclone preparedness plans and will keep everyone informed of what to do if the need arises.   

If a cyclone warning is issued, don’t panic. Weather disturbances are tracked once they form in the Pacific and there is usually time to prepare before the weather turns nasty.  But if you’re after some extra peace of mind, here’s a few things you can do: 

• Check with your hotel about their cyclone preparedness plans.  If you are in the outer islands this may include relocating to the main island while the seas are still calm and safe to travel. 

• Stay connected with a local phone SIM and data at any Vodafone or Digicel outlet or at the Nadi International Airport. 

• Stock up on food, snacks and drinking water. 

• Follow weather updates on the local radio, television station or weather websites. Check out the Windy website or app for the most accurate weather forecast 

• Keep devices fully charged and conserve their battery. Lanterns, torches, powerbanks and extra batteries are also handy if the electricity goes out. 

• Keep entertained with a book, deck of cards or a board game to stave off the boredom – you could be stuck indoors for a while. 

• Stay indoors and out of strong winds unless it’s necessary to move. 

• Stay away from the ocean or rivers as flooding and storm surge is a potential threat. 

Port Denarau, Vuda Marina  (Nadi) and Nawi Island Marina (Savusavu) have dedicated cyclone safety areas, but there are also numerous havens for yachts scattered throughout the islands that you can harbour in during a storm.  
 

How to Prepare for a Tsunami

A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves caused by unpredictable underwater disturbances, such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. They can travel across oceans at high speeds and may reach coastal areas with little warning causing devastating coastal flooding.  

If there is a massive earthquake in the Pacific listen out for warnings on the local radio or websites.   

The Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) are the most reliable sources for accurate tsunami information in Fiji. 

• Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS): Provides localized alerts, warnings, and updates specific to Fiji. Their Disaster Management Division coordinates with local authorities to ensure timely dissemination of information. 
• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC): Monitors seismic activity in the Pacific region and issues tsunami alerts for many Pacific nations, including Fiji. Their warnings often trigger the local response from FMS. 

If a tsunami warning is issued, there may be very little time to prepare.  Timing is essential so here’s what to do in case of an emergency. 
 

• If you notice the water suddenly pulling back, exposing the sea floor, rapidly rising waves or a giant wall of water, it's a sign a tsunami may be approaching. 

• If you experience a large or prolonged earthquake, don’t wait for a warning, head to higher ground immediately as a precaution - away from the ocean or large river deltas

Helpful Websites & Contacts

 

• Fiji Meteorological Office - National Weather Office  

• National Disaster Management Committee - (+679) 3319250 

• Check out the Windy website or app for the most accurate weather forecast around your holiday dates and start planning your dream Fiji vacation.  

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre