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Disaster preparedness and the abeyance of agency: Christian responses to Tropical Cyclone Winston in Fiji

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 15:57 authored by Cox, J, Varea, R, Glenn FinauGlenn Finau, Tarai, J, Kant, R, Titifanue, J, Neef, A
International practices of disaster preparedness presume human agency, particularly at the household level, as an important pre-emptive response to anticipated natural hazards. Our analysis of Fijian responses to Tropical Cyclone Winston indicates that preparedness is also regarded as important by cyclone survivors but has a moral dimension that can be used to assign blame to underprepared members of the community. However, Fijian villagers’ experiences of terror and awe during Tropical Cyclone Winston also make them aware of the limits of human agency, prompting them to reflect on God’s role in the cyclone and the need for collective repentance and renewed Christian commitment. The effectiveness of disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation efforts can only be enhanced by a better understanding of the values of affected communities, including religious and spiritual values. We seek to contribute to this knowledge by showing how disaster preparedness both converges with and diverges from Fijian Christian practices.

History

Publication title

Anthropological Forum

Volume

30

Issue

1-2

Pagination

125-140

ISSN

0066-4677

Department/School

TSBE

Publisher

Routledge

Place of publication

Australia

Rights statement

Copyright 2019 The University of Western Australia

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Effects of climate change on the South Pacific (excl. Australia and New Zealand) (excl. social impacts)

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