Occurs 

Comments / Details 

Yes 

The areas affected by drought in Fiji are mainly the smaller islands and the Western and Northern sides of the main islands. Droughts which occur in Fiji are linked to the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and associated reductions in rainfall. 

Yes 

Fiji is exposed to earthquakes. Those areas having the greatest earthquake activity are the Taveuni-Udu area, the southwestern parts of Kadavu and the northern Yasawas. The medium activity extends from the southern part of Taveuni and Vanua Levu, through Koro, Gau, Ovalau, eastern and southern Viti Levu, and as far north as north-western Kadavu. The rest of Fiji is a region of relatively low earthquake activity. 

Yes 

Like many developing countries, Fiji is still undergoing an epidemiological transition and is faced with a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Whilst there has been a decline in the incidence of some of the communicable diseases over the past 20 years such as tuberculosis and filariasis, the rise in incidence of Leptospirosis and typhoid fever in recent years is a cause for concern. Fiji had significant COVID incidence. 

No 

N/A 

Yes 

Flooding is also a significant hazard in Fiji, usually associated with cyclone or tropical depression rainfall. Fiji is subject to both coastal and river flooding. 

Rapid-onset floods occur within several hours of heavy rainfall, can last several days and are specific to medium-sized river catchments. Flash floods occur within a few hours of torrential rains with little or no warning and dissipate rapidly. This is the most common form of flooding in Fiji and it occurs frequently. 

Yes 

As for all PICs, pests and disease pose a huge danger to Fiji’s environment. Fiji successfully controlled a number of notorious coconut pests and some weeds by implementing bio-control programmes. The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) was established under the Biosecurity Promulgation in December 2008. BAF manages quarantine controls at borders to minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering the country. It also provides import and export inspection and certification to help retain Fiji’s favourable animal, plant and human health status and wide access to overseas export markets. 

Yes 

Landslides in Fiji are commonly associated with periods of heavy rainfall, especially tropical cyclone rainfall. The most concerned areas are the coastal south-east Viti Levu. Following Cyclone Wally in 1980, the most extensive landslides were recorded, when the road from Navua to Yarawa was blocked by 45 huge landslides. Landslides are also associated with earthquake activity (for example on Kadavu in 1998). 

Yes 

Taveuni is the third-largest island in the Fiji Group and is home to around 15,000 people. The island is the surface expression of a large volcano, 40 km long and up to 12 km wide. Recent geological surveys indicated that it has erupted at least 36 times since people inhabited the island. 

Given the continual nature of eruptive activity on Taveuni since 9500 BC, the probability of activity within the next 100 years is high. 

Yes 

Fiji has, during its history, been affected by tsunami. The likelihood of tsunami differs between locations in Fiji. Based upon the magnitudes of known tsunami, there is moderate tsunami potential in the Central-Southeast islands of the Fiji Group (where tsunamis have been recorded with wave run-up heights of 2-4 m). Coastlines in the Northwest of the group are identified as having a low tsunami potential as tsunami have either not been reported or those reported in the area have run-up heights of less than 2 m. 

Yes 

Significant fire events in the countryside are related to the dry season. During the dry season vegetation in the western region becomes susceptible to fire. The National Fire Authority is stationed in the major cities and some big towns. Other communities lack fire service facilities. 

Yes 

Fiji’s location in the South Pacific Ocean exposes the country to tropical cyclones, which are the most frequent hazard process to occur in Fiji and result in the most damage. On average, Fiji experiences 10 to 15 tropical cyclones per decade, of which 2 to 4 results in severe damage. Tropical cyclones in Fiji affect an average of 28,837 people per event. The most recent tropical cyclone Cat V (Winston, 2016) affected 540,000 people and killed 44. Cyclone (Ami, 2003) affected 30,000 people and killed 17. 

N/A 

Yes 

There have been 4 coups d'état in the past 40 years, two in 1987, 2000, and in 2006. 

No 

N/A 

Yes 

Both disasters and climate change are causing internal displacement in many countries in the region. Although many of these people are likely to be displaced within national borders, some will have no choice but to migrate internationally. Their lives and livelihoods are linked to the Pacific Ocean; rising sea levels and other effects of global warming threaten not only their physical assets and coastal zones, but also their way of life and perhaps their national identities. 

Yes 

14 people were granted Asylum in 2020. (Persons recognized as refugees under the 1951 UN Convention/1967 Protocol, the 1969 OAU Convention, in accordance with the UNHCR Statute in Fiji.) 

No 

N/A 

 N/A 

Time Frame 

Comments / Details 

November to April 

Paved and sealed road are generally ok to go through during the wet season. Nevertheless, rains on the main roads could make driving a hazard. During the wet season, floods, flash floods and landslides, particularly on stretches of the highways may happen, resulting in roads, crossroads or bridges closures. 

November to April 

The secondary roads network is often not in a perfect condition and may be quickly affected by rainfalls, making it impracticable overnight. During the wet season, floods, flash floods and landslides may happen, resulting in roads, crossroads or bridges closures. 

N/A 

No rail network exists in Fiji. 

November to April 

Generally reliable all year-round. Heavy rainfalls / cyclones may impact the air transport operations, resulting in delays, flights cancellations and temporary airports/airstrips closures. The secondary airstrips on outer islands may be impracticable during the wet seasons and even if the airports/airstrips are open, the access roads may be impracticable. 

November to April 

Waterway transport – for both sea and rivers - may be affected during the wet / cyclonic seasons. 

Time Frame 

Comments / Details 

November to April 

During the wet / cyclonic seasons, days of torrential rain may flood roads, cut power and water supplies, closing access to transport and storage infrastructures, impacting handling / packaging operations and making access of manpower problematic. Nevertheless, it is very difficult to forecast and anticipate these constraints. 

November to April 

As above 

November to April 

As above