Key facts
- Nearly 20% of homes on Serua Island are in critical condition.
- More than 50% of houses have unstable foundations and weak structures.
- Residents are strengthening defenses against rising sea levels and cyclones.
Residents of Serua Island in Fiji are choosing to reinforce their defenses against rising sea levels and cyclones rather than relocate, citing their deep connection to their ancestral home and its scenic views. A disaster risk reduction plan developed in 2025 identified critical vulnerabilities in nearly 20% of homes. The island faces frequent seawall overtopping, saline intrusion, and standing water, elevating health risks. Despite these challenges, villagers are working to strengthen homes and improve access, valuing the island's environment and culture over relocation.