During the infrequent but inevitable events of natural disaster in Fiji, FIJI Water recognizes the importance of acting quickly, decisively, and in coordination with national efforts. Access to safe drinking water early post-crisis reduces the risk and severity of water-borne disease outbreaks. FIJI Water regularly contributes bottled water to Red Cross and other disaster relief efforts around the country. In the aftermath of hurricanes Ami, Kina, Damon, and Gene, FIJI Water was on the front line and we will continue to stand prepared for future emergency events. Hundreds of miles from outside assistance, we know that here in Fiji we need to be able to rely on one another.

January 2009 Floods

FIJI Water Foundation was recently commended for its response to the devastating floods in January 2009. When a series of heavy, slow-moving tropical storms combined with full moon high tides hit the country all of the towns and cities in the Western division were underwater; more than 12,000 people were living in emergency evacuation centers at schools and community buildings; 12 lives were swept away by raging rivers and landslides; planes were grounded, roads were impassable; electricity and water lines were severely damaged. This, mere days away from the beginning of the school year.

The foundation board chose to put normal Foundation projects on hold in order to focus on assisting during this time of national emergency.

Using our greatest assets- our own employees- we mobilized an emergency response which worked in coordination with government and international aid agencies to get water, food rations, and educational supplies out to communities with the greatest need.

Our trucks delivered more than 800,000L of Fiji Water in bottles and in bulk to more than 20,000 people. In addition we also reached out to 40 schools requiring workbooks, repairs, and food security materials, reaching nearly 15,000 children.