URBDP 549: Hazard Mitigation

Winter 2016, Professor Freitag

Introduction
The University of Washingtons Winter 2016 Hazard Mitigation class compiles this information to
expand the Fijian conversation surrounding ways Fiji can effectively mitigate large oceanic
weather system impacts. This paper was borne out of four hours of class discussion and
independent student research. Cyclone Winston wreaked destruction and killed 43 people
across Fiji. This paper analyzes the storm's profile, identifies impacts, and proposes possible
strategies to mitigate the impact of future cyclones.
Overview
The largest sectors of the Fijian economy, tourism and agriculture, are highly susceptible to
weather events. The storm irreparably damaged agriculture and limited travel on the nation's
330 islands. Cyclone Winston devastated housing, agriculture, and government services. The
national capital, Suva, though indirectly hit, began soliciting international assistance in the
aftermath of the storm. Nearby nations New Zealand and Australia provided aid and logistical
support.
Geographically, the country comprises two large islands and 330 smaller islands. Small islands
include elevated reefs and atolls, and about one third of these areas are inhabited. The majority
of the nation's population is concentrated on the two large Islands. 87% of land area is on the
two major islands. The Fijian system of government has an elected representative democracy,
and a system of chiefs. Fijians speak a mix of languages including English, Fijian Hindi and
Fijian.
Profile of Cyclone

Cyclone Winston hit Fiji as a Category Five storm with very severe winds up to 185 mph
sustained. This is the highest wind speed on record in the southern hemisphere. The strong
winds caused widespread damage to structures and flora.
Frequency of Cyclones
Fiji experiences strong storms frequently. Four storms of category four strength have hit Fiji
since 1970. 12 category one storms have hit fiji since 1970. Cyclone Winston was the first
Category 5 storm to hit Fiji. When averaged, Fiji can expect a strong cyclone about every two
years. Climate change will increase the frequency and strength of cyclones.
Location
Cyclone Winston proceded south between the two most inhabited islands. The islands with the
largest loss of life and greater structural impacts were small remote islands between the two
larger islands.
Additional Natural Hazards in Fiji
Fiji is susceptible to multiple hazards. When several hit concurrently they can be especially
hazardous. Fijis hazards include: Earthquake, Fire, Tsunami, Drought and Freshwater
Flooding.

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URBDP 549: Hazard Mitigation

Winter 2016, Professor Freitag
Impacts
Natural Environment
The impacts to the natural environment were significant. Fortunately, the natural environment is
already recovering. The impacts can be segmented to the nearshore area and the upland area.
In the nearshore area, vegetation near the shore was harmed by the storm. Fijian mangroves,
already in decline, were heavily damaged from wind and the movement of the shoreline. Coral
reefs and offshore atolls experienced decreased visibility. Fijian coral and reefs, were in decline
prior to the cyclone, the storm further reduced their health and size.
In the upland natural environment, many of the impacts were temporary, but significant in
scope. The storm brought brackish water inland, disrupting fresh water sources to people,
animals, and vegetation. Many trees and shrubs were defoliated during the storm. Defoliation
accelerates soil loss and increases drought on islands.
Built Environment
The impacts to natural environment were highly influenced by geography, construction purpose,
and design. Approximately 240 schools were impacted or destroyed by the storm. On some
small islands, nearly all homes were destroyed except for structurally reinforced community
buildings or schools. Tourist resorts were not significantly harmed by Cyclone Winston, they
opened rapidly after cleaning.
Human/Social Capital
The human and social impacts are difficult to quantify after any disaster. Cyclone Winston
disrupted business, community and leisure, each to varying degrees.
Shelter
Schools are a center of the community. They were used to shelter some of the 51,000 people
who sought shelter during or after the cyclone. Staff, visitors and some community members
sheltered at resorts during the storm.
School
Depending on the severity of nearby damage, schools were closed or suspended for several
weeks, while heavily damaged schools will remain closed for months.
Communication and Utilities
Communication systems were impacted during the storm. Up to 80% of Fijians lost electricity , 6
islands were out of communication for several days. Telephone service was lost for two days on
main island.
Nationwide curfew enacted
Transportation
International airports were closed for two days for repair and inspection of major systems.
Wharfs were damaged in some areas, precipitating repairs and re-routes. Unsurfaced roads and
streets were damaged by rainfall erosion.

Capabilities
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URBDP 549: Hazard Mitigation

Winter 2016, Professor Freitag

We propose the following strategies to achieve greater resilience while recovering from Cyclone
Winston. These solutions were identified to support existing hazard mitigation plans. We
propose these strategies while acknowledging the particular economic and societal realities of
Fijian disaster preparedness. These proposals work in tandem and are more likely to succeed if
enacted and orchestrated together.

Conserve natural resources that protect from cyclones and oceanic storms.
Conservation funds should invest in natural systems that naturally mitigate and protect
Fiji from cyclones.
Tourists or resorts should pay a conservation fee. This strategy is two-fold, the
natural areas protect tourists from cyclones while enhancing the natural system
that tourists come to Fiji to experience.
Support Eco-Tourism Ventures that actively value the environment. There are
Eco- Friendly ways for eco-hotels to develop within mangrove areas. Create a
plan for tourists to enjoy and support environmental conservation efforts.
Protect mangroves from further development. Actively plant and foster new
Mangrove forests.
Appeal to international community to fund conservation.

Shelter neighbors in cyclone resistant buildings during storms.

Incentivize hotels to provide disaster relief to local communities.
Ensure all schools are cyclone resistant. Use these schools as community refuge
centers.

Relocate villages if necessary.

Ensure relocation is community driven.
Successful relocation requires a slow transition and is designed by the moving
community.
Utilize temporary housing if necessary.

Lead in the eye of the storm.

Create an Evacuation Plan. Identify strategic buildings for shelter in future
cyclones.
Identify stakeholders and leaders in the community for response and
communication.
Utilize the dynamic fijian chief and village leadership model to share knowledge
efficiently.

Response
Support citizen first responders to distribute supplies to remote communities
Appeal to international community for disaster response.
Transition from wired communication to mobile communication systems.

Our Hazard Mitigation Class believes these strategies to positively position Fiji for upcoming
Cyclones. This project brought together student planners, scientists and administration gurus
around Fijian Cyclones, a wonderful end to a winter of research and study of hazard planning.

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