This Christmas was particularly challenging for several families in Nadi, Fiji, who faced severe flooding on Christmas Day. One of the affected individuals, Ulamila Waqavatu, shared her experience of spending the holiday in an evacuation center, where she and her family had to celebrate with a simple meal of rice and dhal.
Ms. Waqavatu’s family was among 62 evacuees from the Nawaka area whose homes were significantly impacted by rising floodwaters. Having lived in Nawakalevu for over eight years, the family was accustomed to heavy rains, but this year, the evacuation process was unsettlingly different. On Christmas morning, they were abruptly awakened by police urging them to evacuate immediately due to the urgency of the situation.
“We were still asleep when the police came and told us to evacuate. I didn’t have time to gather anything,” she recounted, noting that the water level was already waist-deep when they left.
Despite the unexpected events that led them to forget the festivities of Christmas, Ms. Waqavatu expressed a heartfelt sentiment: “This adverse weather and flooding have taught us that celebration of food and drinks doesn’t matter much on Christmas; God’s love for us matters the most.” She emphasized gratitude that no lives were lost during the flood and appreciated the police for their prompt response, which helped ensure their safety.
Another evacuee, Vasiti Vosawale, echoed the sentiment, describing the situation as a Christmas disaster. The evacuees were accommodated in 12 classrooms of Andrews Primary School, with three evacuation centers established in Nadi to aid those affected.
While this Christmas was marked by hardship, the resilience and spirit of gratitude shown by families like Ms. Waqavatu’s serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and the enduring strength of the human spirit in times of crisis.
In summary, while the flooding disrupted holiday celebrations, the community came together to support each other in their time of need, highlighting the power of love and familial bonds, even in adversity.
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