November 18, 2009 17:29 PM

Five Cyclones To Originate From Fiji: Experts

SUVA, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Five cyclones will originate from Fiji's backyard, is expected to hit the Asia Pacific region in the next two years, reported China's Xinhua news agency on Wednesday, citing experts as saying.

This shocking revelation was made by John Goodman, director of the U.S. Military's Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance on Wednesday.

"Based on what we have looked at it looks like four or five out of 12 cyclones, are going to spawn in your region," Goodman said to participants at a Disaster management Exercise for Fiji officials.

The United States government is hosting in Fiji a four-day workshop on Disaster Management Exercise.

Goodman said the question is when the cyclones will come and how does the country will be prepared to face it.

Participants at the workshop include senior officials from the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Military, Fiji Navy, National Disaster Management Office, Divisional Commissioners, Provincial Administrators, District Officers, Municipal Special Administrators and Senior Local Government officials.

Goodman emphasized the importance for all stakeholders to know their capabilities to be able to prepare effectively for natural disasters.

Experts from the U.S. Military's Center for Excellence in Hawaii and the U.S. Coast Guard have been on hand enhancing local officials' ability to prepare for cyclones in Fiji.

-- BERNAMA

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