The emergency communication capabilities at Fiji's National Disaster Management Office has received a boost from New Zealand.
People are helped to get to safety by local police Photo: Fiji NDMO
Fiji's Government says the donation of equipment will ensure the effective communication of messages to the public at the height of any disaster.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Charlotte Darlow said the Tongan tsunami proved that communications are pivotal.
The NZ donation included VHF analogue repeaters, power supply units, antennas, feeder cables and hand-held radios, Darlow said.
"Tonga really reinforced that at times of crisis when you're wanting to communicate, being able to talk to teams in the field is really your first line of response to inform what communities need on the ground and we are so delighted to be part of that partnership with Fiji."
Darlow said New Zealand would continue its partnership with not just communications, but also in vital positioning of supplies and making sure there was a warehouse and disaster infrastructure that was climate-resilient.
"Making sure that we have facilities and equipment that will get us through the next year of challenges.
"I've only been in Fiji for four weeks and have already been tremendously impressed by the results of Fijian people."
.. Photo: Facebook / NDMO
Fiji's Disaster Management Minister Inia Seruiratu said the items included VHF analogue repeaters, power supply units, antennas, feeder cables, handheld radios, and other accessories worth over $40,000.
"This provision of this communication is imperative in our emergency preparedness and planning.
"It will not only upscale NDMO's emergency communication capabilities but also ensure the effective dissemination of messages at the height of any event," Seruiratu said.
Meanwhile, Fiji's NDMO director has made contact with her Tongan counterpart since the January 15th volcanic eruption and tsunami.
NDMO director Vasiti Soko said she spoke with the Deputy Director of the National Emergency Management office in Tonga, using the High-Frequency Radio capability.
Soko said the discussion was "very brief".
"It was just to check how they are, how their families are.
"The brief of that discussion has been submitted to my Minister, and when he clears that then we can share it with our humanitarian partners here in Fiji," Soko said.