.
FIJI TSUNAMI RESPONSE PLAN
National Disaster Management Office,
Knolly Plaza, 1 Knolly Street, SUVA
Page 1
Date amended 11/2/11
Table of Contents
Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................................... 4
PURPOSE ..........................................................................................................................................................5
AUTHORITY and VALIDITY ...........................................................................................................................5
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS .......................................................................................................5
BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................................5
4.4
Earthquake and Tsunami Wave monitoring ........................................................................ 7
4.4.2
Tide Gauge & DART Buoys .................................................................................................. 8
5.0
TSUNAMI WARNINGS, WATCHES & ADVISORIES .................................................................................9
5.1
Regional Watch and Warnings ............................................................................................. 9
5.2
National Warnings and Advisories ...................................................................................... 9
5.2.1
Authority to issue Tsunami Warnings ................................................................................. 9
5.2.3
Receipt of Tsunami Watch from PTWC ............................................................................... 9
5.2.4
Receipt of Tsunami Warning from PTWC ......................................................................... 10
5.3
Local Earthquake/Tsunami ................................................................................................. 10
5.4
Tsunami Warning Cancellation .......................................................................................... 10
5.5
Tsunami Warning & Information Dissemination .................................................................... 12
5.6
Placement of Tsunami Warning Sirens ................................................................................. 12
6.0
KEY AGENCIES ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................12
7.0
COMMUNITY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .....................................................................................12
7.1
Community actions when an earthquake happens or warning is issued..................... 12
7. 2
Safety/Evacuation Zones .................................................................................................... 13
8.0
EVACUATION PLANS ..................................................................................................................................13
8.1
SCHOOLS ............................................................................................................................. 13
8.1.1
Safety Measures ................................................................................................................. 13
8.1.2
Evacuation of schools ........................................................................................................ 13
8.2
HEALTH ................................................................................................................................ 13
8..2.1
Safety Measures .................................................................................................................. 13
8.2.2
Evacuation of health centers .............................................................................................. 13
8.3
TOURISM ............................................................................................................................. 14
8.3.1
Safety Measures .................................................................................................................. 14
8.3.2
Evacuation ............................................................................................................................ 14
8.4
TRANSPORT ....................................................................................................................... 14
8.4.1
Safety Measures .................................................................................................................. 14
8.4.2
Evacuation ............................................................................................................................ 14
9.0
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS ..............................................................................................................14
11.0
EMERGENCY RESPONSE ..........................................................................................................................14
12.0
DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS ..........................................................................................................................15
13.0
EMERGENCY RELIEF ASSISTANCE .......................................................................................................16
13.1
Provision of Assistance ...................................................................................................... 16
13.2
Local Assistance ................................................................................................................. 16
13.3
International Assistance .................................................................................................... 16
14.0
CUSTOMS AND QUARANTINE .................................................................................................................16
15.0
PORT CLEARANCE......................................................................................................................................17
16.0
VAT CLEARANCE .........................................................................................................................................17
17.0
ROLES OF NGOS .........................................................................................................................................17
18.0
UNDAC TEAM ................................................................................................................................................17
19.0
MANAGEMENT OF MASS CASUALTY, DECEASED PERSONS & VICTIM IDENTIFICATION ....18
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
Page 2
Date amended 11/2/11
List of Maps
Map 1 Pacific Ring of Fire……………………………………………………………………………………5
Map 2 Location of Tide Gauges and DART buoys around the Pacific……………………………………8
List of Figures
Figure 1 Tsunami Warning System Flow Chart……………………………….…………………………..11
List of Tables
Table 1 Tsunamis Recorded in Fiji – 1877 to 2004………………………………………………………….6
Table 2 PTWC products in relation to earthquake parameters……………….……………………………9
List of Appendices
Appendix 1 Roles and resources of key agencies ...........................................................................................................19
Appendix 2 Emergency Contact Details ............................................................................................................................22
Appendix 3 Sample Warning Message ..............................................................................................................................24
Appendix 4 Suva Tsunami siren locations ..........................................................................................................................25
Appendix 5 Map of Wave Heights and Run up Heights of 1953 Tsunami....................................................................26
Appendix 6 Map of Tsunami Evacuation in Suva ..............................................................................................................27
Page 3
Date amended 11/2/11
Abbreviations
AFL
CAAF
CFL
DART
DisEOC
DivEOC
DISMAC
FCOSS
FBCL
FEA
FHA
FMS
FVB
MPAF
MRD
NDC
NDMC
NDMO
NEOC
NFA
NGO
PTWC
PWD
RFMF
TFL
UNDAC
UNDP
VAT
Page 4
Airport Fiji Limited
Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji
Communication Fiji Limited
Deep ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami
District Emergency Operation Centre
Divisional Emergency Operation Centre
Disaster Management Committee
Fiji Council of Social Services
Fiji Broadcasting Company Limited
Fiji Electrical Authority
Fiji Hotels Association
Fiji Meteorological Services
Fiji Visitors Bureau
Maritime and Ports Authority of Fiji
Mineral Resources Department
National Disaster Controller
National Disaster Management Council
National Disaster Management Office
National Emergency Operation Centre
National Fire Authority
Non Government Organizations
Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre
Public Works Department
Republic of Fiji Military Forces
Telecom Fiji Limited
United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination
United Nations Development Programme
Value Added Tax
Date amended 11/2/11
1.0
PURPOSE
The purpose of this plan is to outline arrangements for effective preparedness, timely warning and
efficient response for a tsunami event in Fiji and to minimise the effects of loss of human life and
damages to assets.
2.0
AUTHORITY and VALIDITY
The Plan is produced under the authority of the Natural Disaster Management Act 1998 and the
National Disaster Management Plan 1995.
The Plan is to be reviewed annually AND following each major tsunami event that may affect Fiji.
Responsibility for the review of the Plan rests with the NDMO.
3.0
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS
This plan should be read in conjunction with the National Disaster Management Plan 1995 and should
be used by all departments, agencies, organizations, division and district disaster management
committees as a guide for the development of their tsunami warning, communication and response
plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
4.0
BACKGROUND
The Republic of the Fiji Islands is comprised of 332 mountainous islands of volcanic origin, and is
located between two major tectonic plates, the Pacific Plate, and the Indo-Australian Plate. Fiji’s
island environment and proximity to the Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes it vulnerable to both
earthquakes and tsunamis. The Pacific Ring of Fire is an arc of intense seismic (earthquake) and
volcanic activity stretching from New Zealand, along the eastern edge of Asia, north across the Aleutian
Islands of Alaska, and south along the coast of North and South America (see Map 1). It is composed
over 75% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes.
Map 1 - Pacific Ring of Fire
(Source: United States Geological Services, 2011)
Page 5
Date amended 11/2/11
4.1 Tsunami Threat Sources and Tsunami History in Fiji
Reliable recording of seismic events in Fiji commenced in 1918 (Pacific Disaster Centre, 2005).
Earthquakes occur in several zones, with some of the largest earthquakes in Fiji occurring in the
north-eastern region of the country. This region is considered to be the Islands’ most active earthquake
zone (Vuetibau, 2004, D4a). The main islands of Fiji, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, are within a seismically
active area within the Fiji Platform (Rahiman, 2006). This, and the seismicity of the plate boundary zone
between the Pacific and Australian Plates and the Pacific Ring of Fire mean Fiji is susceptible to
tsunami generated by local, regional and distant (or ocean wide) events (from sources 100 km, 1000
km, >1000 km respectively).
Investigation of the Bureau’s deep ocean model-based tsunami prediction system conducted by Dr.
Jane Warne (ATWS Project Network Design Manager) demonstrates that the local and regional
subduction zone threat sources for the Fiji Islands are the New Hebrides and Tonga Trenches. There is
also limited threat from the Kermadec Trench and the South Solomon Trench. Travel times for tsunami
from these sources vary but are typically between 2 to 2.5 hours from the New Hebrides and Tonga
Trenches and approximately 3 to 3.5 from the South Solomon and Kermadec Trenches. More remote
source, such as those from Peru-Chile, USA, Canada, Japan and the Kuril Islands also pose tsunami
threat to Fiji but only for major earthquakes of at least magnitude 8.0 and above. These sources are
more than 10 hours away. Adequate time for warning and evacuation would therefore exist from an
efficient tsunami warning system.
There have been several recorded incidences of tsunami events within Fiji. The MRD Summary of
Earthquakes and Tsunamis Affecting Fiji 1850 – 2004 states that “Fiji experienced 17 tsunami events
between 1877 and 2004” (Table 1). Of these, four had recorded wave heights ranging between 0.5 and
5 metres above mean sea level. Fiji’s Seismology Section of the MRD states that “eleven tsunamis
have been recorded in Fiji, of which three were generated within Fiji waters” (Prasad, 1991).
Table 1 Tsunamis Recorded in Fiji – 1877 to 2004
Date
Time Earthquake
Magnitude Areas
Epicentre
affected
location
5/10/1877
1259 Chile
Savusavu
21.2S 77W
12/7/1881
0530 N of Vanua Levu 6.5 – 7.0
Vanua Levu
16S 179E
14/9/1953
1227 SE Viti Levu
6.75
Suva
Makuluva
Beqa
Koro
Kadavu
23/5/1960
0711 Chile
8.4
Suva
41.0S 73.5W
01/01/1967 1015 Vanuatu
Suva
11.3S 166E
25/7/1968
1923 Kermadec
7.2
Suva
30.8S 178.4W
17/12/1971 0902 Kadavu passage 5.2
Suva
18.5S 178.6E
Ono
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Date amended 11/2/11
Wave Height
(meters)
Travel time
(hours)
2.0
1.8
1.8
1.4
1.4
1.4
4.3
0.5
0.15
13.3
0.1
0.1
0.27
0.27
0.3
27/12/1975 0757 Tonga
16.2S 172.5W
15/1/1976
0448 Kermadec
29S 177.4W
23/6/1977
0008 Tonga
16.8S 172.0W
10/10/1977 2354 Kermadec
26.1S 175.3W
16/5/1995
Loyalty Island
23.0S169.9E
30/7/1995
Chile
23.3S 70.3W
21/4/1997
Santa Cruz
Islands
12.6S 166.7E
26/11/1999
Vanuatu
16.4S 168.4E
23/6/2001
Peru
16.1S 73.4W
26/12/2004
Sumatra
7.8
Suva
0.08
8.0
Suva
0.22
7.2
Suva
0.16
6.9
Suva
0.02
7.7
Lautoka
8.0
Lautoka
0.06
0.05
0.10
7.7
Suva
0.10
7.5
Lautoka
0.13
8.4
Suva
Lautoka
Suva
0.10
0.10
0.11
9.0
2.2
Most of Fiji’s 300 islands are volcanic in origin and have a range of fringing and barrier reefs. Local
tsunami can be generated by submarine landslides caused by earthquakes (Pearce, 2008, D11). In
1953, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake originating offshore from Suva, Viti Levu triggered a coral reef
platform collapse, which in turn generated a local tsunami. The tsunami itself killed five people. Another
three people died as a consequence of the earthquake. The tsunami wave heights ranged from 0.7 to
5.0 metres above mean sea level. A wave height of 4.3 metres was recorded in Nakasaleka in Kadavu.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the first wave took only 3 minutes to reach Suva (Pacific Disaster
Centre, 2005 and Rahiman, 2006). Three other significant events have been caused by earthquakes
that occurred off the island of Vanua Levu in 1881 and off the cost of Chile in South America in both
1877 and 1960. During the 1960 Chile event, the tsunami waves took approximately 13 hours to reach
Suva. In Fiji the tsunami damaged ships anchored at Walu Bay but fortunately, caused no deaths
(Pacific isaster Centre, 2005). A small tsunami was generated in 1975 by a moderate earthquake in
Fiji’s Kadavu Passage. Once again, this local tsunami resulted from an underwater landslide (Gajendra,
1991).
4.4 Earthquake and Tsunami Wave monitoring
4.4.1 Seismic Network
The Mineral Resources Department maintains and monitors Fiji’s seismic network. The old analogue
system includes the Suva and Vunikawai Seismic Stations. The new satellite system comprises of 6
VSAT Seismic Stations (Taveuni, Yasawa, Kadavu, Dogotuki, Lakeba and Tailevu) with the receiver
station based at the main hub, Seismology Observatory of the Mineral Resources Department. All these
remote local seismic stations are transmitting real-time dataset to the main hub for further analysis
during a real time earthquake activity within the Fiji Waters specifically. The Japanese Government
through JICA funding and assistance for the past recent years have upgraded the local seismic network
to a joint network operation which basically targets the provision of seismic data sharing between the
two countries, Fiji and Tonga. This joint seismic network operation ensures the reliability, effective and
Page 7
Date amended 11/2/11
accurate earthquake analysis and detection between the two regions. In particular, focuses more
towards the full monitoring of seismic activities along the tsunamigenic zone of the Tonga Kermedec
Trench.
4.4.2 Tide Gauge & DART Buoys
There are two tide gauges in Fiji, one located at Suva Wharf and the other at Lautoka Wharf. The
Lautoka gauge has been part of the South Pacific Sea Level Rise and Climate Monitoring Project while
the Suva gauge was originally part of a USGS monitoring network. Data from these gauges goes
directly to the PTWC to monitor the wave actions when it reaches the harbor.
Deep-ocean tsunami detection buoys (DART) is the second type of instrument used to confirm the
existence of tsunami generated by undersea earthquakes. These buoys observe and record changes in
sea level out in the deep ocean and sends signals via satellite to PTWC.
Both instruments can be observed real time via the TideTool software developed by United Nations
Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation/Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission which is
the global focal point of tsunami preparedness and mitigation..
Map 2 below shows the location of the five and DART buoys around the Pacific. The tide gauges are
the ones location on land the DART buoys are the ones located in the ocean and is being referenced as
55012, 55016, 54401, 5142, 51425. Monitoring of the tide gauges and the DART buoys can be made
using the TideTool software at the MET, MRD and NDMO.
Map 2 – Locations of Tide Gauges and DART buoys around the Pacific
(Source: Australia Bureau of Meteorology)
Page 8
Date amended 11/2/11
5.0
TSUNAMI WARNINGS, WATCHES & ADVISORIES
5.1
Regional Watch and Warnings
Under the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Pacific Tsunami Warning and
Mitigation System (PTWS), the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) in Hawaii provides tsunami
watch, warning and information bulletins covering all Pacific countries including Fiji. The different
products adopted by PTWC is determined by the parameters of the earthquake at in Table 2.
Table 2 PTWC products in relation to earthquake parameters
5.2
National Warnings and Advisories
The Tsunami Focal Point is the Director MRD while the Director Fiji Met is the tsunami warning focal point and the
Director NDMO and Director are alternate.
5.2.1
Authority to issue Tsunami Warnings
The National Disaster Management Act 1998 and National Disaster Management Plan 1995 vests the
authority to issue warnings and implement actions resulting from natural hazards to the National
Disaster Controller, who is the Permanent Secretary responsible for Disaster Management.
The Mineral Resource Department (MRD) as the only technical agency on seismology and shall be the
official source of advice to the National Disaster Controller through the National Coordinator who is the
Director NDMO. For this purpose the MRD will establish a 24/7 service to monitor earthquake and
generation of tsunami waves. This will be the Tsunami Warning Center and to issue any tsunami threat.
5.2.3
Receipt of Tsunami Watch from PTWC
Fiji will be put in the tsunami watch zone for any tsunami that has more than three (3) hours of travel
time to Fiji.
Once a PTWC Bulletin containing a Tsunami Watch for Fiji is received by the FMS, the bulletin will be
immediately passed to the Mineral Resources Department (MRD). MRD will also receive the
information directly from PTWC. The MRD will assess the information and issue information/advice to
the public, as necessary. NDMO shall also be included in the immediate notification so that they can
Page 9
Date amended 11/2/11
commence contacting the response agencies. Normally, no public warning is warranted at this time, but
only an advice for the public (including local mariners) to be in a state of readiness of the tsunami
threat.
5.2.4
Receipt of Tsunami Warning from PTWC
PTWC should be able to issue warnings covering Fiji for both regional Tsunamis (source <1000 km
from Fiji) and long distant or tele-Tsunamis (source ≥1000 km from Fiji).
Once a PTWC Bulletin containing a Tsunami Warning for Fiji is received by the FMS, the bulletin will be
immediately passed to the MRD. MRD will also receive the information directly from PTWC. The MRD
will assess the information issue warnings and advice to the public, as necessary. NDMO shall be
immediately informed by MRD when the warning is issued to coordinate response agencies.
5.3 Local Earthquake/Tsunami
Generally, there will be little or no prior warning for a local tsunami. When an earthquake is felt with
significant shaking or there are signs of the ocean receding quickly, people must move to higher ground
or safe zone without waiting for an official warning.
Nonetheless, the MRD will issue a warning immediately after a significant earthquake is felt or observed
(7.1 or more) at shallow depth (<100km) and notify NDMO immediately of the warning.
5.4 Tsunami Warning Cancellation
A Tsunami Warning that is current shall be cancelled if –
1. No tsunami is observed from the regional tsunami
2. Tsunami has not struck Fiji for a minimum two hours after the predicted arrival time
3. Tsunami has passed and threat is now over.
When cancelling a Warning it should be borne in mind that there may be secondary wave traversing Fiji
waters for some time, which could especially be threatening to coastal communities at next high tide.
Therefore people should be advised to still exercise precautions for the next 12-24 hours.
Page 10
Date amended 11/2/11
FIGURE 1
FIJI TSUNAMI INFORMATION FLOW CHART
FIJI TSUNAMI INFORMATION FLOW CHART
TELE AND REGIONAL
TSUNAMIS
MRD Duty Officer
files PTWC bulletin
JMA
PTWC
LOCAL TSUNAMIS
NO
Others
CITIZENS, RESSIDENTS AND VISITORS TO THE REPUBLIC
OF THE FIJI ISLANDS
FMS
Is Fiji
Included
MRD
FBCL
MRD duty officer
conducts assessment
using (SOP)
Strong earthquake
felt by communities
MRD issues Advisory # 1
NDMO
CFL
MRD monitors the threat
and continuously issues
advisories to media
Fiji TV
NDMO
coordinates
response
agencies
NDMO notifies Divisional &
District Disaster
Coordinator
NDMO notifies
all Govt Depts,
Municipalities
NDMO notifies the
NDMC Chair
YES
Mai TV
Assessment of
Threat is made to
determine whether
it is eminent
Telecom
Vodafon
e
Mass notification
sirens activated
NOC IS ACTIVATED
(SOP)
Div EOC
activated
(SOP)
Dist EOC
activated
NO
MRD issues cancellation
of advisory
Digicel
Sky Pacific
TV
Public Advisory
issued to media
Issue
public
advisory on
evacuation,
safety
Evacuation
to safe zones
coordinated
by Police,
RFMF, NFA
Prepare Situation
Reports
Fiji Live
Page 11
YES
Date amended 11/2/11
Town,
Village/Settlement
Disaster Committee
activated to prepare
respond their
communities and
finally carry out
damage assessment
5.5
Tsunami Warning & Information Dissemination
All warnings and advisories will be disseminated to all media outlets which play a crucial role in
dissemination information to the public. They will be broadcast immediately upon receipt and at
regular intervals (usually hourly) thereafter. A list of media outlets and contacts is contained in
Appendix 2
Mass notification of the threat will also be given through activation of Tsunami Warning Sirens
and other means as warranted. This includes NDMO endorsed SMS messages. Police, Military
and Divisional, District administration and communities are advised to use whatever means
available to them to alert people. The format of the messages will be drawn specifically (see
Appendix 3) to avoid any confusion.
5.6
Placement of Tsunami Warning Sirens
Sirens specifically for the tsunami warning will be placed in strategic locations as endorsed by
NDMO (an example for Suva peninsula is in Appendix 4). The sirens shall be activated by the
NDMO in consultation with the National Tsunami Warning Centre.
6.0 KEY AGENCIES ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following organizations have been identified as key agencies for the tsunami preparedness,
warning and response arrangements and their specific roles in is Appendix 1.
Every agency/organisation shall include tsunami response arrangements and procedures in
accordance with their agency/organisation support/contingency plan. These arrangements and
procedures are to be based on this Plan and to be furnished to the NEOC. All major
facilities/utilities located within the tsunami danger zone should prepare tsunami emergency
response plans and forward the same to their respective heads.
7.0
COMMUNITY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
7.1
Community actions when an earthquake happens or warning is issued

A strong shaking by an earthquake is a natural warning for a tsunami when no other warning
will be possible. People should immediately evacuate to safety zone and NOBODY
SHOULD APPROACH THE SEA as this could be disastrous

Any withdrawal of the coastal waters from the lagoon after an earthquake also signifies an
approaching tsunami and should be treated as tsunami warning and people should
immediately evacuate to safety zone.

Once a watch has been issued people should be prepared to act in case a warning follows

Once a warning has been issued it should be taken very seriously and the instructions
followed strictly e.g. to move to higher ground or inland
Page 12
Date amended 11/2/11

Turaga ni koro and advisory councilors are responsible for raising alarm in a community.
Community alarms includes church bells and davui informing community members to
evacuate immediately to safety zones.

No one should return to the tsunami danger zone until all clear is given.
7. 2 Safety/Evacuation Zones
Safety or evacuation zones are to be determined and clearly marked for all and to be at least
one(1) kilometer inland or at least twenty (20) meters above sea level. An example of safety
zones for Suva Peninsula is provided in Appendix 6. .
8.0
8.1
EVACUATION PLANS
SCHOOLS
All schools located on coastal areas are required to have a tsunami evacuations plan.
Evacuation zones will be identified by school authorities in consultation with the NDMO. Drills
for tsunami evacuation should be held regularly.
8.1.1 Safety Measures
Schools located on coastal areas should have portable AM/FM radios which are switched on
and monitored during school hours. Similar arrangements are to be made with boarding
schools after school hours.
8.1.2 Evacuation of schools
Upon hearing the tsunami warning, Principals, Head Teachers and teachers of schools located
on coastal areas shall immediately evacuate students to designated safety areas. A roll call
should be taken at the assembly point. The students should be advised to stay at the assembly
area until all clear message is given. Ministry of Education and school management will be
responsible for the welfare of students and teachers during the period of the evacuation.
8.2 HEALTH
All health facilities located along coastal areas are required to have a tsunami evacuation plan.
Evacuation zones will be identified by Emergency Health Task Force inclusive of the Turaga-niKoro (rural based centers) in consultation with NDMO and/or the District Officer. Drills for
tsunami evacuation should be held regularly.
8..2.1 Safety Measures
Health centers located on coastal areas should have portable AM/FM Radios which are
switched on and monitored.
8.2.2
Evacuation of health centers
All health centers located in the tsunami danger areas should be immediately vacated upon the
issuance of tsunami warning. In cases where there are patients admitted in the centre,
appropriate care must be taken in evacuating them to demarcated safety/assembly area.
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Date amended 11/2/11
Ministry of Health will be responsible for the welfare of patients and staff for the duration of the
warning.
8.3 TOURISM
All tourist facilities located on coastal areas are required to have a tsunami evacuation plan.
Evacuation zones will be identified by the management in consultation with the NDMO. Drills for
tsunami should be held regularly.
8.3.1 Safety Measures
Tourist facilities located on coastal areas should have portable AM/FM radios which are
switched on and monitored.
8.3.2
Evacuation
All tourist facilities located in the coastal areas should be vacated and tourists moved to
demarcated tsunami safe zones. Head count must be made once tourists arrive at the assembly
area within the demarcated tsunami safe zones. Tourist facilities will be responsible for the
welfare of their guests and staff for the direction of the warning period.
8.4 TRANSPORT
All public transport operators must have a tsunami response plan. Drills for tsunami should be
held regularly.
8.4.1 Safety Measures
Public transport operators should have portable AM/FM radios which are switched on and
monitored.
8.4.2 Evacuation
All public transport operating along the coastal areas must immediately divert to tsunami safe
zones once a tsunami warning is issued. In all towns and cities, the respective Councils in
collaboration with Police shall facilitate pre-determined emergency escape routes for public
vehicles. Movements of all privately owned vehicles will be restricted and police shall erect
roadblocks to manage vehicle movement and stop any travel towards the coast.
9.0
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
The “Disaster Preparedness & Awareness Committee” will develop a comprehensive education
and awareness programme so that all communities in Fiji fully understand the Tsunami Warning
System. The NDMO will be responsible for the coordination, pre-testing, distribution and post
testing of all education and awareness materials associated with tsunami threat for Fiji.
11.0
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Once a tsunami has struck and a tsunami disaster has been declared under the provisions of
Section 17 of the Natural Disaster Management Act of 1998, emergency response shall be dealt
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Date amended 11/2/11
with in accordance with the sections 28, 29 30, 31, 32 and 33 of the Natural Disaster
Management Act of 1998.
Overall emergency coordination will be coordinated from the National Emergency Operation
Centre while on-site emergency operation centre’s may be set up to provide direct management
of the response near the affected site.
12.0
DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS
Disaster assessment and survey teams comprising government and NGO representatives will
be placed on immediate standby upon an impending tsunami impact. Post tsunami impact shall
necessitate the activation of district assessment and survey teams to move to affected areas.
There will be three categories of assessments taken:
Initial Situation Overview (Aerial Surveillance): conducted after a tsunami impact with the
aim to identify the extent of damage, areas affected and those communities’ worst affected by
the tsunami. The Emergency Committee will initiate the ISO in coordination with Divisional
Commissioners. The information gathered will be used to identify the need for a declaration of a
natural disaster.
The information will factor towards prioritising emergency response action to specific areas or
islands. The ISO will be conducted within 24hours post impact.
Initial Damage Assessment: is initiated immediately following a tsunami impact or emergency
situation to determine the immediate relief requirements. The District DISMAC will make this
assessment under the coordination of the District Officer. Information to be gathered during this
stage will factor towards and include:






brief summary of damage
Immediate food and water requirements
immediate medical or health problems
shelter requirements
electricity situation
Need for external specialist support i.e. UNDAC, USAR, SAR, heavy lift, etc
Reports collected will be relayed immediately to the Divisional Commissioner for compilation
and recommendations. These will be remitted to the NEOC/within 72 hours.
The conduct of the Aerial Assessment and Initial Damage Assessment to outer islands will be
the responsibility of the NDMC and initiated at the NDMO/NEOC.
Detailed Sectoral Assessment: should be implemented within 2 - 4 weeks of the tsunami
impact or emergency. It is designed to provide the government with a more detailed damage
assessment in respect to sectors i.e. infrastructure, agriculture, education, health and other long
term issues which may have negative impact on social and economic environments. Data
gathered from the DSA will factor into the Early Recovery Plan for restoration of normalcy.
The NDMC will ensure that this process is not unnecessarily delayed.
Page 15
Date amended 11/2/11
13.0
EMERGENCY RELIEF ASSISTANCE
13.1
Provision of Assistance
The decision regarding the provision of food relief will be made by the NDMC following receipt
of initial damage assessment reports. Relief efforts will at all times be applied on a fair and
equitable basis according to needs and will adhere to government’s ‘self help’ concept
wherever possible.
With respect to shelter, the use of tarpaulins should be prioritized for government buildings,
hospitals, churches and major community buildings. Assistance to households may include
tarpaulins if the need is present however preference would be towards the provision of heavy
duty plastic sheeting where possible. The community is to be encouraged to adhere to self-help
concept and adaptations to effective preparedness by communities.
The NDMO is to ensure that the policy associated with disaster relief and self help project are
included within community education programs.
13.2 Local Assistance
Emergency relief assistance will be provided to affected communities and agencies by DISMAC.
However, local organisations may also provide assistance. Assistance can be in cash or in-kind,
and can be provided locally and internationally.
Such relief assistance can be provided to government or directly to NGO but in both cases, the
relief assistance to be coordinated through the relevant District Officer under endorsement of
the NEOC/ NDMO to minimise duplication and .ensure equitable distribution.
13.3
International Assistance
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs may request international assistance after a declaration of a
tsunami disaster by Cabinet. The Cabinet in this respect will be advised by the NDMC. The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs will liaise closely with the Emergency Committee when requesting for
international assistance.
Request for international assistance will be supported by data compiled by the NDMO/NEOC
from reports received from divisions and districts.
All international assistance, whether via DISMAC or other agencies, must be cleared by MoFA
and NEOC/ NDMO.
14.0
CUSTOMS AND QUARANTINE
Upon notification that an official request for international assistance has been submitted, the
CEO FIRCA and Director of Biosecurity Authority of Fiji will make necessary arrangements for
on-going clearance of all donor assistance provided for disaster relief purposes (applicable to all
natural disaster situations). This may also include Duty and VAT Exemptions for goods
imported as well as goods purchased locally with disaster relief funding.
The NDMO/NEOC will provide details on donor assistance to facilitate this process. Such
information may include; type of assistance, mode of transport, where and when the assistance
Page 16
Date amended 11/2/11
will arrive and other special handling requirements. It should be mentioned that one of the
periods of highest risks for a country to become exposed to exotic animal or plant disease is
immediately following a major disaster; in this instance tsunami. Stringent application of
quarantine regulations is therefore essential.
15.0
PORT CLEARANCE
The National Disaster Coordinator will liaise with the Airports Fiji Ltd and Fiji Ports Authority, to
ensure that security clearance is provided for teams assigned to assist with the unloading and
transport of relief supplies. Where possible, the name of personnel involved with these activities
shall be sent to AFL and Ports Authority before the arrival of supplies at the airport or any of
Fiji’s ports.
16.0
VAT CLEARANCE
The NDMC will make arrangements with the Ministry of Finance for the exemption of Value
Added Tax (VAT) on relief supplies in the country.
The tsunami relief operations should not in themselves cause a breakdown in established
security and/or immigration regulations.
17.0
ROLES OF NGOS
The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) is a member of NDMC and represents the interests
of the NGOs and civil societies.
An NGO Coordinating Committee is to be established in consultation between NDMO and
FCOSS and the key function will be to coordinate NGO support, and through closer linkages,
overcome problems associated with duplications of effort, including resources. These linkages
should be extended down to district level.
Progressive reports will be submitted to the NDMO/NEOC for identification of activities and their
final compilation into a national database. The NDMC/NEOC will advise government of NGO
relief assistance.
18.0
UNDAC TEAM
The United Nations has established a regional United Nations Disaster Assessment and
Coordination (UNDAC) Team that can be mobilised quickly and deployed in support of national
responses to tsunami impact and major emergencies. Team members are drawn from Pacific
Island Countries and are placed on standby for rapid deployment at the request of the affected
government or UN Resident Coordinator. The National Disaster Controller will decide whether to
engage UNDAC in any event of a tsunami
Upon request by affected government, the UNDAC team is activated by the UNDP Resident
Representative through the DMP-SPO, based in Suva. The primary purpose of the UNDAC
team is to assist the affected NDMO with coordination, facilitate and coordinate international
response, facilitate and task USAR teams as well as support the UN Country Team.
Whilst the team is engaged directly with NEOC/NDMO, the team will be under the command of
the UNRC and will be tasked in conculstation with the NEOC/NDMO. The UNDAC team will be
Page 17
Date amended 11/2/11
reporting directly to the UNDP Resident Representative, with a copy of their report also
submitted to the NEOC/NDMO for the government’s actions and undertaking. This is to
complement reports collated from divisions and districts.
19.0 MANAGEMENT
IDENTIFICATION
OF
MASS
CASUALTY,
DECEASED
PERSONS
&
VICTIM
In the event where mass causalities during a tsunami impact, the Ministry of Health will be
leading the triage and treatment of those that can be saved before any attempts will be made to
account for dead bodies.
In the event of high number of dead bodies and in consideration that Fiji has a strong cultural
society, the mass burial of dead bodies needs to be administered swiftly following appropriate
protocols whilst at the same time preventing serious health implications of exposure to
decomposing bodies .
All dead bodies within the health facility shall be administered by the health authority to prevent
spread of contagious diseases.
Any dead found in the disaster areas must be referred to the nearest health facility for proper
idenitification, DNA sampling and tagging prior to any storage and/or mass burial. The Ministry
of Health will take the lead with support from the Fiji Police Forensics Unit.
Page 18
Date amended 11/2/11
Appendix 1: Roles and resources of key agencies
DEPARTMENT
MINERAL
RESOURCES
NDMO




Legal Status
Communication Equipment


Communication Equipment
24hr service


Ships, vessels, manpower
Communication Equipment







Liaise/ Advice MET
Receive Tsunami Warning/watch/Information from PTWC
Coordinate with NDMO
Maintain the seismological data
Conduct training awareness on tsunami sciences and threat
Liaise with MRD on all PTWC tsunami warning/watch/information
Coordinate with relevant Authorities
Activate NEOC
Coordinate identification of evacuation safe zones
Coordinate assessment of all forms of mass notification to reach
the last person
Issue warning for evacuation to general public
Activate sirens and other forms of mass notification
Support the receiving and onward transmission of Tsunami
warning/watch/Information from PTTWC
Liaise with MRD, NDMO, Media and other key agencies
Liaise with NEOC
Issue Maritime Warning
SAR of waters around tsunami affected coastlines for casualties
and deceased persons.
Coordinate with NEOC/MRD
Public Warning in coordination with Police
Deployment of USAR capacity in support of response operations
Deployment of Rescue Teams as required
Liaise with MRD& NEOC
Radio Broadcasts as issued by MRD & NEOC Services
Notify remote radio station & Community
RESOURCES
Seismic Data Tsunami
Advice Transport






Equipment and Manpower
Strategic locations
Vehicles
Sirens
Local radio stations
TV




Liaise and coordinate with NEOC
Attend to injured
Removal and storage of dead bodies
Evacuate patients from health facilities


Manpower
Medication













MET




NAVY
FIRE
MEDIA (Ministry of
Information, FBC,
CFL, Fiji TV, Mai
TV)
HEALTH
Page 19
KEY ROLES
Date amended 11/2/11
POLICE












PWD

Liaise and coordinate with NEOC/MRD
Public warning in coordination with FIRE/RFMF
Evacuation in coordination with RFMF/NEOC
Identification of deceased persons (DVI)
Cordon of affected areas
Public Safety, law & Order
Liaise and coordinate with NEOC/MRD
Notify outer island UHF stations
Notify all subscribers using SMS
Liaise and coordinate with NEOC/MRD
Assist Police with Public Warning and Evacuation
Assist Police with security of critical facilities and cordons of
affected areas
Liaise with NEOC for transportation, plant and equipment usage
FEA









Liaise with NEOC
Take care of electricity requirements, shutdowns, etc.
Liaise and coordinate with NEOC
Coordinate clearance of wharf area
Warn ships in port and vicinity of the port
Prepare ports for post impact relief reception
Liaise and coordinate with NEOC
Warn masters of its shipping fleet of the threat
Liaise with Maritime & Ports and Navy on deployment of vessels.
RURAL
DEVELOPMENT



MINISTRY OF
ITAUKEI AFFAIRS





Liaise and coordinate with NEOC
Assist to activate Divisional and District EOC’s
Provide resources to fully service National, Divisional and District
EOCs
Liaise with NEOC
Activate Provincial Offices Disaster Plan
Activate Village Disaster Plan
Liaise and coordinate with NEOC
Activate school disaster plans
Telephone (TFL,
Vodafone, Digicel,
Inrk)
RFMF
PORTS
AUTHORITY OF
FIJI
FIMSA
MINISTRY OF
EDUCATION
Page 20
Date amended 11/2/11





Communication Equipment
Manpower
Strategic locations
Vehicles
Sirens










Communication Equipment
Manpower
Vehicles
Manpower
Communication Equipment
Vehicles
Sirens
Vehicles
equipment
Equipment











Manpower
Communication Equipment
Vessels
Transport
Manpower
Communication Equipment
Vessels
Transport
Manpower
Communication Equipment
Transport


Manpower
Vehicles


Manpower
Vehicles
FIJI HOTELS
ASSOCIATION
MUNICIPAL
COUNCILS
Page 21










Regularly update NEOC on status of schools
Assist with the welfare of affected students and teachers
Liaise and coordinate with NEOC/FVB
Coordinate evacuation of tourist facilities
Provide assessments of status of facilities and guest welfare
Liaise with NEOC
Coordinate evacuation of its assets
Assist Police and NFA in evacuating urban centers
Facilitate safe areas and temporary shade
Date amended 11/2/11


Manpower
Communication equipments



Manpower
Legal jurisdiction
Vehicles

Appendix 2 Emergency Contact Details
Designation
Phone
Direct Line
Mobile
Home
NATDISCON
3313400
extn. 111
3313400
extn. 106
3313799
3211650
3312767
9206153
3340867
3313361
9200960
3477783
3211776
9905819
3305729
Director Mineral Resource
Department
Seismology Unit, MRD
Director General Fiji Red Cross
Society
Director FCOSS
Commissioner Central
Commissioner Western
Commissioner Eastern
Commissioner Northern
3381611
3383611ext431
9904784
3381611
3314133
3381611ext472
3305258
9052799
9992484
9052799
3306480
3477000
6660158
3318297
8811322
3477660
6669636
3318280
8815059
9939286
9230176
9378463
9931578
NA
NA
NA
NA
3DV300
3DV100
3DV400
3DV200
Provincial Administrator Ra
District Officer Tavua
District Officer Nadarivatu
District Officer Ba
District Officer Lautoka/Yasawa
District Officer Nadi
6694240
6680553
6209645
6674056
6260640
6700101/670
0143
6500014
6694240
9441880
9086458
9262840
9328634
9742177
9098060
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
3DV101
3DV103
3DV102
3DV104
3DV100
3DV105
9229635
6242109
3DV107
6200117
3460108
3460615
3313400
9976976
8676423
9071078
9249944
9500690
NA
NA
NA
3DV106
3DV304
3DV100
3DV303
Provincial Administrator Tailevu
Provincial Administrator Rewa
3477000
3477000
9803759
9956533
NA
NA
3DV300
3DV300
Provincial Administrator
Naitasiri
District Officer Korovou
Provincial Administrator
Lomaiviti
Provincial Administrator Lau
District Officer Rotuma
3685000
9779013
NA
3DV302
7230467
NA
NA
3DV305
3DV403
8321034
NA
NA
3DV400
3DV402
NATDISCORD
Commander RFMF
Commissioner of Police
Provincial Administrator
Nadroga
District Officer Keiyasi
Provincial Administrator Serua
Provincial Administrator Namosi
District Officer Suva
Page 22
Date amended 11/2/11
3430024
3440359/344
0022
3313400
8891011
6209645
NA
3430188
Radio
Telephone
3DV73
Provincial Administrator Kadavu
Provincial Administrator
Cakaudrove
District Officer Tukavesi
District Officer Saqani
3620794
8850099
District Officer Taveuni
District Officer Seaqaqa
Provincial Administrator Bua
District Officer Macuata
8880026
8860191
8836027
8811439
8501252
Manager Finance, MPD
3313400
extn. 157
3313400
extn. 112
3343777
3313799
3211452
3306177
3384111
Manager Administration, MPD
Police Headquarters
RFMF Headquarters
Ministry of Information
Health DSLOs
Works DSLOs
GM Fiji Broadcasting
Commission
GM Communications Fiji
Limited
CEO Fiji TV
CEO Mai Tv
CEO PBS
CEO Digicel
CEO Telecom
CEO Vodafone
CEO Fiji Visitors Bureau
CEO Fiji Hotel Association
CEO PSC
CEO Finance
CEO I Taukei Affairs
CEO Foreign Affairs
CEO Works & Public Utilities
CEO Lands & Mineral
Resources
CEO Agriculture
CEO Fisheries
CEO Labor
Page 23
Date amended 11/2/11
8201964
8201228
NA
NA
3DV101
3DV204
7387821
9147695
/
7508075
8358445
8676960
9091626
9945213
NA
NA
3DV202
3DV203
NA
NA
NA
NA
3DV201
3DV206
3DV205
3DV200
3319302
9327200
3390209
3313591
9341484
3398886
NA
7446136
9905300
3632002
8503867
8221512
8500567
7452513
NA
CEO Local government &
Environment
CEO Education
CEO Trade & Commerce
CEO Sugar
CEO National Planning
CEO Health
Appendix 3
Sample Warning Message
TIME BULLETIN NUMBER ________
Fiji Meteorological Services
ISSUED (date/time UTC)
THIS BULLETIN IS FOR ALL COASTAL AREAS ………….
A TSUNAMI WARNING AND WATCH ARE IN EFFECT ……….
A TSUNAMI WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR
(Listed areas)
FOR OTHER AREAS, THIS MESSAGE IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.
AN EARTHQUAKE, PRELIMINARY MAGNITUDE____, OCCURRED (date/time UTC).
COORDINATES: LATITUDE____ (N/S), LONGITUDE____ (E/W),
VICINITY: ______________________________________________________
EVALUATION: IT IS NOT KNOWN THAT A TSUNAMI WAS GENERATED. THIS WARNING
AND WATCH ARE BASED ONLY ON EARTHQUAKE EVALUATION
ESTIMATED TIME OF INITIAL WAVE ARRIVAL AT FIJI IS ………….
(List locations and estimated times of wave arrival in chronological order.)
BULLETINS WILL BE ISSUED HOURLY OR SOONER IF CONDITIONS WARRANT.
THE TSUNAMI WARNING WILL REMAIN IN EFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Page 24
Date amended 11/2/11
Appendix 4
Page 25
Date amended 11/2/11
Suva Tsunami siren locations
Appendix 5
Page 26
Date amended 11/2/11
Map of Wave Heights and Run up Heights of 1953 Tsunami
Appendix 6
Page 27
Date amended 11/2/11
Map of Tsunami Evacuation in Suva