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http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=155439

 

1997-1998 Drought impact 

Samantha Rina 
Wednesday, September 08, 2010 

Figures 

* Preliminary estimates indicated the economical impact of the drought to have exceeded FJD$130 
million 

* Sugar industry was badly affected; planting delayed due to lack of soil moisture 

* Food security was threatened as food crops were depleted with no planting of cash crops 

* Livestock were lost due to lack of water supplies 

* Urban and rural water supply systems were under stress; high costs were incurred when 
Government made emergency water supplies to many locations 

- SOURCE: FMS 

* Drought has been recognised as one of the major disasters in Fiji since the 1997-1998 event. 

* El Nino is known to be a major cause of drought in Fiji. 

* Recovery period after a drought can take up to one or two years after the event breaks.