Call For the Media to Support Dissemination of Information During Disasters

SUVA – Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Inia Seruiratu, launched the Ministry’s disaster media awareness campaign this week in the lead up to the 2021-2022 Cyclone Season next month.

The launch coincided with the commemoration of the annual International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and the release of the 2021-2022 Cyclone Seasonal Outlook by the Minister for Infrastructure and Meteorological Services, Hon. Jone Usamate.

In his address, Hon. Seruiratu called on the media to support the Ministry in the timely dissemination of factual and accurate information during times of disasters.

Minister Seruiratu also thanked members of the media for effectively playing their role in disseminating messages on disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction.

“Through the media campaign which will run from October 2021 to April 2022, you can expect to see preparedness, response and recovery messaging all in an effort to reinforce a culture of risk resilience so that ultimately, lives and properties are saved during disasters.  You can expect to view messages, videos and stories on best practices of disaster preparedness and even listen in to DRR webinars planned for the National Disaster Awareness Week from the 19th of October.  We want you to be prepared and we are going to exhaust all media avenues possible to ensure that even our remotest communities are reached,” Hon. Seruiratu said.

This week we also commemorated the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDRR).

The Hon. Minister conveyed Government’s appreciation to all its stakeholders working in the disaster risk management space.

He said here at home, the adoption of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy portrayed to the rest of the world that Fiji no longer viewed disaster risk reduction as just a humanitarian issue, but a development one.

With this year’s theme being ‘Only Together’, Hon. Seruiratu has also encouraged communities, families and individuals to do the necessary preparation before a disaster happened.

He highlighted that Fiji was not alone as there were international cooperation and assistance from development partners that would help the country prepare better for the cyclone season.

“COVID-19 has made it clear that nobody is safe until we are all safe, and the international support for DRR is more than just a moral obligation but an essential requirement to build resilience of our international community and planet together.”

“As a developing country facing specific challenges, Fiji needs special attention and support to augment domestic resources and capabilities to manage disaster risk and the Fijian government is thankful for the continued support from our partners. International cooperation has never been more important now than before with COVID-19.” In addition to the event today, the Ministry is also gearing up for the annual National Disaster Awareness Week (NDAW) which will be held next week.