Sunday, December 9, 2018

Final Blog- Fiji

Daniel Mendoza 
Geology 9 
Prof. Garcia Garcia
9 December 2018
Fiji Final Hazards Report 

   Now that I have scratched the surface on a country I had never previously studied, I feel capable enough to inform (to my best knowledge) the most dangerous hazards in Fiji. Fiji is a beautiful and tropical set of islands but hosts the dangers of tsunamis and earthquakes.

Tsunamis:

   Fiji struggles with tsunamis hitting the coast line rough around the eastern islands of Fiji. The waves come off of the south and east because the country mainly sits atop of the eastern Pacific plate as well as the Indo- Australian plate. Previous data shows 71 percent of the confirmed tsunamis in the world have occurred in the Pacific Ocean and its marginal seas. I believe this hazard is one of the most dangerous in this region because the highly inhabited eastern island of Suva has the Suva Tsunami Hazard Zone. Recommendations for tsunamis that I would present include constant alert on radio and media outlets broadcasting warnings, leaving the low ground to higher safer areas, and the addition of a self-evacuation route. The place I would target help first is the eastern islands primarily the Suva Tsunami Hazard Zone. They are obviously more susceptible and need more aid.

Earthquakes:

List of seven most recent earthquakes according to USG website
   Not only is Fiji threatened by tsunamis, but earthquakes impose just as much of a hazard. I also mention earthquakes as a priority hazard because they also bombard the south and east islands of Fiji like tsunamis. Earthquakes strike this region due to the Pacific and Indo- Australian plate that Fiji stands between. If you noted that, it is similar as tsunamis and that is because earthquakes and tsunamis going hand in hand. A big enough earthquake triggers a tsunami but not every earthquake is large enough to do so. Not to undersize the damage an earthquake alone can do to one of these islands. As far as recommendations go for earthquakes I would advise seeking stable buildings, abandoning or being aware of (common) unsturdy homes/buildings, and enforce evacuation plans for businesses/schools/hospitals/etc. The main target help would go to the south and southeast islands. Mainly but not limited to the islands of Kadavu, Lau, and Levuka.

My "own" home:

Top right is Taveuni Island
   If I were fortunate enough to ever live and have the opportunity to construct a home on Fiji, then that would be astounding. After a semester filled with weekly dives into the country that is Fiji I found the ideal island weeks ago. Taveuni Island is best suited for what I would want to accomplish in a life in Fiji. Taveuni is a more remote island and locals refer to it as the Garden Island. There is a lot of lush green, warm water, secluded beaches, and not a lot of industry. Taveuni is north east of the main islands which means it is one of the safer islands to inhibit. Farming is a big driving force for the economy on the island and opening a family owned farm there would be what I’d do in a life in Fiji.  

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