Tara Wati, a 58-year-old widow residing in Navua’s Wainividio Settlement, faced a devastating setback when a fire destroyed her home and two flats on Saturday. Just hours before, she was shopping with her visually impaired daughter, Devika Nandani, who had come to visit for the Christmas holiday. Tragically, they received news of the fire from a taxi driver while they were in town.
The estimated loss from the fire is around $70,000, and Ms. Wati expressed her disbelief at the situation. She usually takes great care to ensure safety, having turned off nearly all electrical switches before leaving home. Unfortunately, by the time she returned, the flames had consumed everything.
“I lost all my belongings and my son’s vehicle in the fire. We’re now only left with what we are wearing,” Ms. Wati shared, her voice filled with sorrow. The biggest concern now is securing a roof over her family’s head as they had planned a joyous family Christmas together.
During this tough time, a compassionate local family has offered shelter to Ms. Wati and her son while they determine their next steps. Ms. Wati is actively seeking assistance to rebuild a temporary home on the site of their former residence.
This heartbreaking story highlights the fragility of life and the unexpected challenges that can arise. However, it also showcases the strength of community support that can help individuals recover and restore hope amid adversity. With compassion and assistance from those around her, there remains a possibility for Ms. Wati and her family to rebuild and reestablish a sense of home and normalcy.
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