Brace yourselves for cyclones: Goodman

November 18, 2009 08:36:07 AM

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Ten to twelve cyclones are going to hit the Asia Pacific region in the next two years with four or five to originate in Fiji’s backyard, says Lieutenant General (retired) John Goodman, director of the U.S. Military’s Centre for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance.

“Based on what we have looked at it looks like four or five are going to spawn in your region,” Lt-Gen Goodman said, adding that the predictions are done by the Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii and the international weather services.

While speaking at the US-hosted Disaster Management Exercise, for Fiji officials involved in disaster relief and recovery work, in Lami yesterday, Lt-Gen Goodman said the question “is not if (the cyclones) will come over, but it’s when it will come here and therefore we need to prepare”.

Participants at the 4-day workshop include senior officials from the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Military, Fiji Navy, National Disaster Management Office, Divisional Commissioners, Provincial Administrators, District Officers, Municipal Special Administrators and Senior Local Government officials.

Lt-Gen Goodman said it is important for all stakeholders to know their capabilities to be able to prepare effectively for natural disasters and better coordinate relief efforts.

Meanwhile, Fiji’s Director of Meteorology Rajendra Prasad earlier told FijiLive that for the 2009 to 2010 season, two to three cyclones may reach category 3 and category 4 with winds up to 118km/h.

He said Fiji’s six month-long cyclone season, beginning this month, should reach its peak during January, February and March.

Past experiences have shown that between two to three cyclones pass through Fiji waters with one usually affecting land areas.

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