SUVA, Nov 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Fiji Meteorological Services (FMS) is training its officers, to move away from traditional ways of predicting weather, to impact-based forecasting, as the country expects three tropical cyclones in the upcoming season.
FMS Director, Teri Atalifo, said today, Fiji expects at least one severe tropical cyclone out of the three predicted this season, which will likely be a category 3 or above.
Atalifo urged Fijians to keep themselves updated with the latest weather report, as the FMS is working on reducing the loss of lives during tropical cyclones.
Atalifo said, the FMS is fully geared up for the cyclone season and are working closely with the National Disaster Management Office.
“We make sure that our operations are good and everything is running and functioning well. We want our equipment to withstand when cyclones pass through Fiji.”
The FMS also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Health, Waterways, and Agriculture and the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji, to enhance their preparedness.
Fijian Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu, urged Fijians earlier this month to prepare early for disaster.
Tropical cyclone season runs between Nov and Apr.
In 2016, Fiji was hit by tropical cyclone Winston, which left 44 people dead and caused extensive damage.– NNN-AGENCIES
