Litia Taylor’s family was enjoying their Christmas Day lunch when they suddenly encountered a terrifying situation as floodwaters surged into their home in Nawajikuma, Nawaka, Nadi. The family had just finished preparing to move to an evacuation center when the flood struck. With over 200 other evacuees, they are currently taking shelter at Andrews Primary School.
Describing the chaos, Ms. Taylor recalled how the water began to rise while they were eating. “Wherever we could get out of the house, we had to rush to the bus shelter with our pots of food,” she said, emphasizing the urgency of the moment. Her primary concern was for the safety of her newborn grandson, who had just celebrated his first week, along with her daughter.
Initially, the floodwaters reached knee level, but they quickly escalated to waist height, making it impossible for them to return to their home. Ms. Taylor’s nephew bravely ventured back to retrieve whatever belongings he could before they all took refuge at the bus shelter, anxiously watching the water inundate their home.
The family’s belongings, including their fridge, washing machine, and bed, sustained significant damage from the flood. Ms. Taylor mentioned the daunting task ahead, estimating that it would take three days to clean the mud from their house after the waters receded.
In the face of adversity, the community has shown remarkable resilience. Families have been banding together, cooking and sharing meals with one another, in addition to receiving support from the Fiji Muslim League.
This incident highlights the strength of community bonds during difficult times and reflects the hope and solidarity that can be found even in challenging circumstances. As the Taylor family and others work towards recovery, there is a sense of hope that they will rebuild and emerge stronger together.
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