Fiji faces drought risk
January 28, 2010 10:47 pm
SUVA, Jan. 28 — Several areas in the island nation of Fiji have been classified to be under "meteorological" drought, according to the weather office in Fiji on Thursday.
A "meteorological drought" is declared if rainfall is well below expected levels for an extended period.
More places in the Fiji Group could face a drought if the dry spell continues for the next few weeks.
To break the spell, Fiji Meteorology director Rajendra Prasad said a cyclone was needed.
Prasad warned the dry spell could continue even when the island nation approaches the wet season.
Areas under drought conditions include Navua, Koronivia, Nausori, Labasa, Savusavu, Taveuni and Lakeba.
Those at "warning" stage are Yasawa-i-rara, Viwa, Tavua, Vatukoula, Ba, Sigatoka, Suva, Dobuilevu, Nabouwalu, Dreketi, Seaqaqa, Udu Point and Kadavu.
In mid-October 2009, the weather office predicted the Southwest Pacific, including Fiji, would experience between eight and 11 cyclones in the 2009-2010 season.
Prasad said a near-average number of tropical cyclones had been predicted for countries west of the Dateline, including Fiji, while a slightly higher risk of tropical cyclone activity was predicted for countries just east of the Dateline.
"On average two to three tropical cyclones pass through Fiji's waters a season with one directly affecting land areas. There is a slightly higher chance of tropical cyclones passing through the northern and eastern parts of Fiji's waters," he said.
Fiji has since experienced one cyclone in December.
Prasad warned that if the below-average rainfall continues by end of January, most sites in the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups as well as islands in the eastern group would be in drought.
The office said any prolonged effect of meteorological drought would affect agriculture and water supply seriously.
Industries and sectors dependent on rainwater needed to take adaptive measures in case the situation became severe, the weather office said.
While the wet season rainfall may gradually return around late February to March, it is likely rainfall over Fiji will remain suppressed for most part of the wet season.
Even if the El Niño and meteorological drought effect breaks in March to April, the fact that most of Fiji's wet season rainfall has been unusually dry and could have a longer impact, especially in the coming dry season.
While temperatures have been unbearable for most, the weathermen predict that February would be the hottest month.
At the moment the temperature has been as high as 37 degrees Celsius in some areas.
This week, the National Disaster Management Office and the Fiji Electricity Authority were briefed on the situation that could lead to drought so they could take appropriate measure to safeguard people in Fiji in case the worst happens. (PNA/Xinhua)
vcs/ebp
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