Thursday, 01 October 2009
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DISASTERS AID AND THE CURSE IN THE PACIFIC
DURING the bleak days of a diabolically cold and long winter, the thought of a short holiday on a Pacific island kept many a Wellingtonian going. Blue skies, gentle breezes, azure seas and golden sands are every travel agent's promise and a weary worker's holiday dream.
But life in the Pacific is often anything but idyllic. Two-and-a-half years ago, Fiji was rocked by its fourth coup in 22 years. Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, who ousted the democratically elected Laisenia Qarase, says elections will not be held before a new constitution is in place, estimated to be 2013.
In early August, Tonga's population was devastated when an interisland ferry, the Princess Ashika, sank, drowning about 73 people. A commission of inquiry must produce a preliminary report by November 30 and a final one by March 31, 2010.
Now, an 8.3 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami have killed an estimated 100 people in Samoa and American Samoa, with fears the death and injury tolls will rise. Many residents, cognisant of the post-quake risk, headed for high ground, while several villages on the southeast side of the main island of Upolo were flattened.
As Kiwis would expect, New Zealand has said it will do what it can to help. Australia, likewise, will no doubt offer assistance. Much will be required - communities will need rebuilding, though the government of Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi might need to consider whether they should be sited in the same places from which the post-earthquake tidal wave swept them off the map.
Earthquake-preparedness is as important elsewhere in the Pacific as it is in New Zealand. In the immediate aftermath of the Samoa quake, nations around the Pacific - including New Zealand - were put on notice by the Pacific Western Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii that the tsunami that had done such damage to Samoa's shores might reach theirs, too.
The Emergency Management Office in Wellington swung into action, though initial fears were quickly allayed. But EMO director John Hamilton, and his network of civil defence teams, will have been reminded - had they needed reminding - that natural disasters can strike anywhere at anytime and that too few New Zealanders are ready.
Research done for the Civil Defence Ministry in June found that Wellingtonians are more likely than most to believe that Civil Defence will be there to help them if they need it. Fred Mecoy, the man employed by Wellington City Council as its "emergency preparedness manager", has told The Dominion Post how concerned he is by people's complacency. He is right to feel that way, though it is not only Wellington's populace that is unworried about the Big One. When news came through yesterday of the tsunami warning, at least some of those here living in coastal communities headed to the beach to watch the massive wave - if it arrived - roll in.
No-one who saw the damage wreaked on lives, properties and whole countries by the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004 will ever forget it. Samoa now faces its own full-scale disaster and its aftermath will require all the help its neighbours can offer. (Dominion Post 10-01-09)
When the shit hits the ceiling, it is always Australia and New-Zealand who come to the rescue in the Pacific, NOT CHINDIA Bainimarama.
You see Frank your corrupt officials sell a boat Tongans die, an American Samoan tries to defend your terror, Samoans die, Indonesians welcome you to their terror hub they also die.
You are a curse to not only Fijians but to all of the South Pacific, because the Madhi behind your Throne is EVIL.
We are living and breathing in a spiritual world Frank, I dare not dream of what will happen to you and your coup apologists.
We had warned you of Tsunamis in July stating that it was a governance issue and what have you done together with DMDO since?
Do you really think we like exposing our illegal leaders stupidity on a daily basis? We are the laughing stock of the Pacific.
Pull up your socks Frank and get off the Stage.
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