The national Disaster Management Center stresses that there might not be any time to issue a tsunami and evacuation notice to the public if a tsunami originates within Fiji waters.
The 8.3 magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu this morning allowed local authorities enough time to issue the tsunami warning for Fiji and subsequently the evacuation notice for all coastal areas.
However, Dobui said from past experiences, if an earthquake occurs in Fiji and a tsunami is generated, it could only take minutes to strike.
During this morning's rush to get to higher ground, Fijivillage News witnessed that the main streets leading out of the capital city were jammed by traffic with people stuck in their vehicles for upto half an hour.
Dobui said DISMAC is currently working on a pilot project to come up with a tsunami evacuation plan for the major centers. He said certain areas will be identified as evacuation points.
He said they will also try and carry out a study to ascertain which areas people can evacuate on foot and not use their vehicles in attempts to move to higher ground.
He adds DISMAC is also in talks with various property owners in the Walu Bay and Vatuwaqa, which are listed as high risk areas, to allow access to people to cross their property during a evacuation.
There may not be enough time to warn
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p