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Fiji Weather: How You Can Help After Cyclone Hits Nearby

The weather in Fiji is typically warm, tropical, and perfect for a beach vacation, but on occasion, Fiji’s tropical location is hit with the full force of Mother Nature. The rainy season brings extra precipitation to the Fijian islands. It’s these rains that keep the jungle lush and the waterfalls impressive, but the rain can be accompanied by more activity in the surrounding oceans and cyclones are also possible.

This year Taveuni has experienced its fair share of cyclone warnings and concerns. Luckily, the majority never make landfall, but that isn’t the case for every island in the archipelago. The nearby island of Viti Levu experienced massive flooding and high winds that left many people on the island devastated.

In past years, Taveuni has experienced similar storms. Just two years ago, in February 2016, a huge storm called Winston tore through east Taveuni, leaving an entire village devastated. These events leave local people in Fiji without any resources or options for relief, but you can help.

Donate to a Relief Fund

The most direct way you can help Fijians after a cyclone or other natural disaster is by donating to a reliable and respected relief fund. There are several international organizations that set up and administer relief funds to villages and local communities in Fiji. As well, local charities and aid organizations will also create funds after a, particularly bad or destructive storm. Just be certain to closely vet any organization before donating; make certain the money raised goes directly to disaster relief and learn what percentage of funds raised actually make it to Fijian communities.

Here at Raiwasa, we’ve taken steps to assist the families affected by Cyclone Winston by arranging a relief fund of our own. Everything raised through our Generosity campaign still goes directly to people impacted by tropical storms or cyclones.

Talk About Climate Change

Not all support and help is monetary. For Fiji to remain the tropical paradise it is today, the islands need people all over the world to care about climate change and the rise in unpredictable weather patterns. You can help create change by staring information and starting informed conversations back at home. While Fiji might seem worlds away from your hectic office or bustling city, the changed experienced in Fiji, including an increase in adverse weather, is happening all over the world.

Visit Fiji During the Low Season

Another way to support and help the people of east Taveuni is by taking a vacation to Fiji. Many jobs and livelihoods here depend on tourism. When you take a guided tour, go on a scuba dive adventure, or stop at a roadside stand for drinks and snacks, it funnels money back into the local economy. Plus, low season is a fantastic time to visit Taveuni.

Despite the possibility of a storm, the low season is still one of my favorite times to visit Taveuni. You can have beaches, the Rainbow Reef, and Taveuni’s waterfalls all to yourself, and watching the rain from Raiwasa’s huge veranda is a truly relaxing experience.

As well, at Raiwasa Private Resort, the safety of our guests is a substantial priority. We take a number of precautions during the months of January, February, and March to be prepared for a cyclone. And all year long we are ready to act in the event of inclement weather. Our staff is well trained in how to react and assist guests if a cyclone or other weather event is imminent. So, you can rest assured that your stay won’t be ruined by Fiji weather.

To find out more about how Raiwasa prepares for Fiji’s unpredictable spring season or information on how to book for Raiwasa for next year’s low season, simply contact our U.S. or N.Z. booking offices.