A family’s Christmas dream turned into a nightmare when a devastating fire destroyed their home in Navua, leaving them in shock and despair. Tara Wati, a 58-year-old widow living in the Wainividio Settlement, lost her three-bedroom house and two flats, valued at approximately $70,000, in the blaze.
Ms. Wati was out shopping with her visually impaired daughter when she received the unfortunate news from a taxi driver. At home were only her son, who had been working in Suva at the time of the incident.
Despite having taken precautionary safety measures—turning off nearly all the electrical switches before leaving—the family returned to find their home completely engulfed in flames. “I lost all my belongings and my son’s vehicle in the fire. We’re now only left with what we are wearing,” she lamented.
With Christmas approaching, Ms. Wati expressed deep concern for the well-being of her children. “We were planning a family Christmas this year and were so happy that my daughter was visiting us, but now everything is gone, and I don’t know what to do,” she said.
Fortunately, the generosity of the community has shone through, as a family has taken Ms. Wati and her son in while they navigate their next steps. She is seeking help to construct a temporary shelter on the site of their former home.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of crisis. As Ms. Wati looks to rebuild her life, there remains hope that with assistance, she and her family can find a way to create new memories this holiday season, despite the loss they have endured.
In moments like these, humanity often rises to the occasion, and it is heartening to see the community rallying around those in need.
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