The National Meteorological Office in Nadi has urged members of the public to take weather warnings seriously because they are meant for people’s safety.
Department of Meteorology director Alipate Waqaicelua made the call as the cyclone season nears its end later this month.
Mr Waqaicelua said people must always be prepared rather than having to make last minute rush.
“People must now understand that climate change is impacting everyday lives and people need to be prepared at all times,” he said.
“We all know the cyclone season is nearing its end but this does not mean we sit on our hands because the changing weather pattern cannot be predicted.”
Mr Waqaicelua added that cyclones, severe flooding and tsunamis had now become more rapid thus the need for extra precautionary measures.
“In our villages and homes please make sure our children, who are most vulnerable to these, are safe.
Most of the time we see parents drinking yaqona while children are running around in the rain and swimming in flood waters,” Mr Waqaicelua said.
“Everyone must play their part in ensuring no lives are lost to natural disasters.”
He also cleared the air on the authenticity of information coming out of the weather office in Nadi.
“Our officers are world class weathermen and women and we can be proud of the fact that people serving in the Nadi weather office are on the same standard as those in other bigger countries,” the director said.
“This is evident from the fact that the prediction by the weather office in Nadi on the path of Cyclone Evan last year was accurate.”
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