This Christmas was marked by disaster for many families in Nadi, particularly those affected by flooding. Ulamila Waqavatu, a mother of five, found herself celebrating the holiday at an evacuation center with her family, as they had to evacuate their home in the Nawaka area due to rising waters.
Waqavatu recounted the harrowing experience of being alerted by police early on Christmas Day to leave their home immediately. Unlike typical warnings during heavy rain, this time the police urged rapid evacuation. With little time to prepare, Waqavatu recalled the floodwaters quickly reaching her waist as they left with only what they could carry.
Despite their challenging circumstances, Waqavatu emphasized that the Christmas spirit transcends material celebrations. “We had dhal and rice for Christmas, but we are grateful to God that nobody was harmed,” she said, reflecting on the experience that shifted their focus from festive feasting to appreciating life and safety.
Waqavatu’s sentiments were shared by other evacuees, including single mother Vasiti Vosawale, who expressed similar feelings of loss and devastation. The group of evacuees, totaling 62 individuals, took refuge in classrooms at Andrews Primary School, one of three evacuation centers in the area.
While the Christmas holiday brought unexpected challenges for these families, it served as a reminder of resilience and community support in times of crisis.
In summary, although Christmas for these families was overshadowed by flooding and evacuation, their gratitude for safety and the importance of God’s love provided them with hope and strength amidst adversity. It’s a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of times, the spirit of community and resilience can shine through.
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