2 Feb 2021

NZ examines pathway to reducing emissions as frustration grows

From , 6:02 am on 2 February 2021

An increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters in the Pacific is feeding a growing frustration on the ground in the lack of urgency and commitment to global climate action.

Fiji has seen three cyclones develop in its waters in a matter of weeks, with the associated rain causing major flooding across the country.

The latest two formed within 24 hours of each other and came on the back of December's Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa which saw four people die and flattened villages, causing millions of dollars worth of damage.

The weekend saw Cyclone Ana, the first of 2021, sweep over Fiji's main island of Viti Levu.

Yasa was a Category 5 storm, the highest possible strength, and Ana was a category 1 system, but it still packed gusts of up to 140 km/hr. There was one casualty from the storm and several people are missing.

RNZ Pacific's Suva-based correspondent Lice Movono says its a recurring theme and people are tired.

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Photo: FIJI NDMO