A minority group's response to a severe climatic event: a case study of rural Indo ‐ Fijians after Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016

Nakamura, Naohiro and Kanemasu, Yoko (2020) A minority group's response to a severe climatic event: a case study of rural Indo ‐ Fijians after Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016. Disasters, NA . NA. ISSN 0361-3666

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Abstract

This paper investigates the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Winston (2016) on rural Indo-Fijians and their response to the devastation. Studies have previously examined how rural communities in Pacific Island countries respond to severe climatic events, arguing that traditional knowledge of the climate, together with indigenous techniques, contribute substantially to recovery from a disaster. Strong communal bonds have also been identified as an influencing factor. Disaster risk reduction frameworks often assume the availability of such knowledge and capital. Yet, little research has been done on how minority groups with limited access to such knowledge and capital cope with disaster-related damage. The current study shows that rural Indo-Fijians responded to the consequences of Tropical Cyclone Winston differently to indigenous Fijians, owing to relatively limited access to traditional awareness of the climate, communal labour sharing, and intra- and/or inter-community networks. The findings point to the necessity to implement a more inclusive disaster risk reduction framework.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
Divisions:	School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS) School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS)
Depositing User:	Naohiro Nakamura
Date Deposited:	09 Sep 2021 02:27
Last Modified:	09 Sep 2021 02:27
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/12971

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