Many families in Nadi faced a difficult Christmas this year due to severe flooding. Among them was Ulamila Waqavatu, who found herself celebrating the holiday with modest meals of rice and dhal at an evacuation center. She and her family were part of the 62 evacuees from the Nawaka area whose homes were inundated.
Waqavatu, a mother of five, has lived in Nawakalevu for over eight years and shared that the evacuation process this time was notably urgent. “When there is heavy rain and possible flooding, the police usually come and alert us to be ready to evacuate, but this time it was different,” she recalled. Instead of a warning to prepare, they were told to leave immediately. They were still in bed on Christmas morning when police arrived to facilitate their evacuation.
With little time to gather their belongings, Waqavatu described the harrowing moment she stepped out of her home, with floodwaters already reaching her waist. “We had forgotten it was Christmas amid the chaos,” she reflected. Upon arrival at the evacuation center, they had simple meals, but she emphasized that what mattered most was not the food they missed but the fact that they were safe. “This adverse weather and flooding has taught us that the joy of food and festivities is secondary to God’s love for us,” she stated, expressing gratitude that everyone was safe.
Waqavatu also noted that living in a flood-prone area has made her family heed all advice from authorities. They left behind everything, including their planned Christmas feast, and acted quickly to ensure their safety, praising the police for their swift response.
Vasiti Vosawale, another evacuee from Nawaijikuma Settlement, described her experience as a “Christmas disaster.” The evacuees are currently utilizing 12 classrooms at Andrews Primary School, with three evacuation centers operational in the Nadi area.
This story highlights the resilience and spirit of families in Nadi facing hardships. While the circumstances were challenging, their focus on safety and gratitude for their well-being serves as an inspiring reminder of hope and community strength during trying times.
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