SUVA, 29 SEPTEMBER 2014 (FIJI TIMES) ---- The prolonged dry spell experienced in Fiji's Western Division and other parts of the country is called a meteorological drought.
This was determined by weather officials at a stakeholders' meeting at the Commissioner Western's office in Lautoka on Monday.
Acting Commissioner Western Luke Moroivalu said there were other factors of the dry spell that needed to be determined before a drought could be declared.
“In our briefing, the Fiji Meteorological Services office informed us that this is a meteorological drought, however, we have not entered two categories of drought before we can make any declaration that we are in fact facing a drought” said Moroivalu.
Moroivalu said about $200,000 has been spent on carting water to maritime areas and affected regions in the Western Division.
Moroivalu said financial support provided for assistance to affected areas was further supplemented by government resources.
“So far we've spent about $200,000 on addressing this issue but that figure is expected to increase as this dry weather continues,” he said.
“That cost may not seem like a lot because we are using our own equipment to supply water to these areas.”
Moroivalu said government was doing its best to ensure essential services were unaffected.
“The positive news that we've received is that no school has been closed.
“Each institution continues to be open despite this difficulty especially those in the maritime areas which are also still open.
“The same goes for our health centres and major hospitals where service is normal. There hasn't been any reports of illnesses arising from this prolonged dry spell.
“So far it looks like we do have the capacity and capability to address this issue at the regional level but we are already putting in place contingency plans should the situation get worse.”
Meanwhile, the livestock sector has been drastically affected by the dry spell over the Western Division.
Principal agricultural officer Vinesh Kumar says there have been reported cases of livestock deaths in the region.
“The Ba and Nadi districts have reported deaths of animals, goats and sheep. Preliminary investigations have revealed that though the dry spell may be a contributing factor for the deaths, the cause is not primarily due to starvation or dehydration,” he said.
“We have to understand that during the dry spell, animals are under stress and in certain cases they become malnourished and are vulnerable to secondary infections, diseases and worms."
Kumar said another sector also affected was the dairy exports from the region.
“Milk production has also reduced from 4.5litres to three litres per cow now.
“Animal feed, pasture and fodder have remained a challenge as large areas with good pasture have been lost in fires during the start of the dry spell.
“Most sugarcane farmers are harvesting burnt cane and this has reduced the quality of cane tops for animal bulk feed. The fires have also burnt beyond farm boundaries that typically are reserved by canefarmers for grazing their animals.”
He said as a result animals were straying to other areas in search of food.
“We have an issue of stray animals and we are advising farmers to secure their animals and ensure they are kept within the farm boundaries.”
In another development, Officers of the National Disaster Management Office will meet later today in Suva to address the dry spell currently felt across Fiji.
Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and National Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu says they will be discussing options to help mitigate effects of the dry season countrywide.
SOURCE: FIJI TIMES/PACNEWS