In case of a natural disaster, especially a tsunami, residents of Fasito’o-uta would be well versed with what to do. 

That is the objective of a drill hosted by Adventist Development and Relief Agency (A.D.R.A.) 

The tsunami drill took place at the Matailiili residence yesterday.

A.D.R.A. Project Manager, Tuioti Sakaria Taituave, said the village drill is the last phase of the Community Disaster and Climate Risk Management Programme.

“This drill is to prepare villages to respond to serious natural disasters,” he said. “So for Fasito’o uta with their drill today, the scenario was based on a tsunami caused by an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0; and that’s really strong; which means there’s not one single home that will remain on land. 

“So the cases of such disasters; it is a must for the village to know exactly which areas they should be running towards for safety. Not only that but also the time when they actually have to do it once a natural disaster strikes us. 

“This is a very important part for the people and they should all be aware of every preparation for their own safety.”

Tuioti emphasised that during natural disasters; the most vulnerable groups are the elderly, children and people with disabilities.

 “There are ten different committees that we are training in every village such as the First Aid and Rescue, Project Committee and a whole lot of other committees.

“Today was where they tested their response plans that they have prepared and see the way they perform if it’s effective and reliable during times of disasters. 

“So the way we saw today; although it wasn’t 100%, but Fasito’o uta’s response was at least over 80%. It is good.” 

He went on to say that the “Community Disaster and Climate Risk Management Programme” is carried out and practiced in every village. 

“There’s about four phases of this programme which is: survey, toolkit delivery (a technical information kit that teaches people on the difference between terms such as risk, hazard and other things like that), placing of people in their groups and starting their trainings and the last phase is simulation or village drill to test their response in such matters.”

The ministries involved were the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Women Community and Social Development, Ministry Of Health, Ministry of Police, Fire Emergency and Services Authority and private organisations such as F.L.O. (Fa’ataua Le Ola), Red Cross Society as well as A.D.R.A.