Tsunami Exposes Vulnerability of Kiribati

 

Tsunami exposes Vulnerability of Kiribati to Ocean-Related risks

28th March 2022

Betero Kautum

As our citizens are, unfortunately, keenly aware of, the recent tsunami which struck Kiribati serves as a stark reminder of the ocean threats we face, and highlights the apparent lack of government foresight. This is exemplified in the lack of a universal evacuation protocol or infrastructure such as an inventory of food and water supplies to hold out during our time in the shelter.

Importantly, the Minister for Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development (MELAD) and MP Ruateki Tekaiara has been criticised for his lack of support for farmers nationally despite the flood ruining their fields and livelihoods. In contrast to such lack of care, his extremely fast response to his constituents - resulting in very little direct threat - has been seen as an example of ignoring national concerns while focusing on his own local constituency. Farmers have pressed the government heavily for support following the tsunami’s damage to their fields and cropland, as they expect to face poverty and possibly starvation and the loss of their livelihoods in the following months.

Furthermore, questions have been raised over the government's long-term plan for dealing with natural disasters and the ever-present issue of rising sea levels. It is understood that natural disasters and extreme weather events are only likely to get worse for Kiribati in the future. Concerns have been raised that the current ruling party in the government, the TKB, is not properly acknowledging the threats Kiribati faces. This is particularly worrying since the party’s stance of refusing to engage in ‘migration with dignity’ was based on their proclaimed desire and ability to develop Kiribati’s infrastructure so it could deal with crises like this.

Many have pointed to the actions of MP Terieta Mwemwenikeaki, secretary of the BKM, who has heavily developed the disaster mitigation facilities within his constituency. However, this is merely a short term solution,a nd in the long term, it is the position of the BKM that we must find a new home if we cannot convincingly find a way to stay on our own islands sustainably. We must act now, because we want to migrate with dignity by choice - not be forced out of our home as climate refugees. 

Our nation is at the forefront of climate change, predicted to be the first nation to be completely submerged by rising sea levels. The clear lack of efforts by President Maamau shows that he doesn’t have the benefit of the people at heart. Instead, he and his party has been sitting on their laurels since the last election. The people should make their voice heard and send their grievances to the government.