Government, through the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the Ministry of Education, is pursuing a disaster plan to help people during times of natural disasters.
Commissioner Western Joeli Cawaki said they have learnt their lesson over the years especially in times of flooding or a hurricane.
“The NDMO and the Ministry of Education have come up with a strategic plan to make sure that education and programmes continue at evacuation centres,” Mr Cawaki said.
“Through the ‘Education in Disaster’ programme, students and even parents will be taught what to do so that they are aware of their roles so that students could continue their education.”
Ministry of Provincial Development permanent secretary Mr Inia Seruiratu said this is part of the capability and capacity building that the NDMO is undergoing.
“There is a lot of work that still remains but it is always good to make a start somewhere,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“There are policy issues that need to be addressed, risks reduced through development and the capability and capacity building of equipment and manpower.”
Mr Seruiratu said Government doesn’t want to go down the same path as it did following two floods this year.
“While we do not have any control over the weather, we can control things that are within our reach,” Mr Seruiratu said.