Water supplies at risk

Fiji faces a very high risk of dry conditions through December, threatening water supplies and agricultural production as El Niño persists.

The latest Early Action Rainfall Watch warns that communities could face pressure on water supplies and agriculture if dry conditions persist.

Rainfall monitoring for the three months to September recorded seriously dry conditions in Nabouwalu, Labasa, Seaqaqa, most of Lomaiviti, southern Taveuni, Lakeba, Cicia and Ono-I-Lau.

Very dry conditions were also recorded from Tavua to Ba, parts of Yasawa, Monasavu, Ovalau, Savusavu, Udu Point, Rabi, northern Taveuni, Kadavu, the Moala Group, Vanuabalavu and much of northern and southern Lau.

However, the report says conditions may begin to ease as the wet season slowly sets in.

The six-month monitoring period to September recorded seriously dry conditions in Cikobia, while Nabouwalu, Southern Taveuni and Rotuma experienced very dry conditions.

Rotuma also recorded seriously dry conditions over the 12-month period. In contrast, Batiki and Nairai experienced very wet conditions over the same period.

The report warns that rainwater tanks, small streams, shallow wells and bores are vulnerable to short-term rainfall shortages. Vegetables, young sugarcane, root crops and pasture could also be affected.

If dry conditions continue for longer, pressure could extend to rivers, reservoirs, dams and deeper groundwater supplies.