Two to three tropical cyclones are likely to pass through Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone this season and one to two severe tropical cyclones are likely to affect Fiji during the 2023-2024 cyclone season.

Minister for Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau said at least one of these cyclones is likely to be in the category three or higher range.

“Analog seasons were identified for seasons in the past with similar background climates and conditions. Half of these historic seasons had at least one category five tropical cyclone. The most infamous of this was Tropical Cyclone Winston in the 2015-2016 season,” Mr. Tuisawau said.

Minister Tuisawau also stated that while cyclone activities in the Pacific Island region peaks from January to March, tropical cyclone seasons can form at any point during the season.

“Out of season tropical cyclones cannot be ruled out as we have seen in the past. Tropical cyclones have occurred in the region during October and May, and sometimes even in September and June,” Tuisawau added.

Minister Tuisawau urged the general public to remain vigilant and well-prepared for this tropical cyclone season.

Minister for Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka who was also present for the 2023-24 Tropical Cyclone season outlook, invited the public to celebrate National Disaster Awareness Week from October 12th to 18th.

Minister Ditoka stated that in honor of National Disaster Awareness Week, the National Disaster Management Office and Member Agencies would begin the five-day activities on October 13th, also International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, with an academic session hosted at the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat with a focus on disaster risk reduction, preparedness framed around earthquake and tsunami hazards.

Ditoka further mentioned the Ministry had a series of stimulation field exercises planned to test the readiness of lead agencies in an event of a Tsunami that will be held from Monday 16th to Wednesday 18th October at Albert Park, Suva.