Several families in Nadi faced a challenging Christmas due to the severe floods on Tuesday. Among those affected was Ulamila Waqavatu, who found herself celebrating the holiday at an evacuation center with her family, relying on a simple meal of rice and dhal.
Ms. Waqavatu, mother of five, was one of 62 evacuees from the Nawaka area whose homes suffered from rising floodwaters. After living in Nawakalevu for more than eight years, she had learned the importance of staying alert to weather warnings.
On Christmas morning, the evacuation took Ms. Waqavatu by surprise. Unlike typical alerts, the police instructed residents to leave their homes immediately due to the critical nature of the flooding. She recalls being roused from sleep without the opportunity to gather personal belongings or holiday food. As she evacuated, the floodwaters reached her waist, quickly inundating her home.
In the midst of this struggle, the significance of the holiday was overshadowed. Ms. Waqavatu noted that upon arrival at the evacuation center, the family shared a meal that starkly contrasted with the festive meals they had anticipated. However, she found solace in the realization that the essence of Christmas lies not in food or festivities, but in God’s love and the safety of loved ones: “Despite the situation we faced during this Christmas, we are so thankful to God that nobody had his or her life taken away.”
Echoing her sentiments, another evacuee, single mother Vasiti Vosawale, described the day as a “Christmas disaster.” The group of evacuees is utilizing 12 classrooms at Andrews Primary School, one of three designated evacuation centers in Nadi.
The resilience shown by these families during such a trying time is a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the human spirit. In adversity, they found gratitude in their lives and the support they received, highlighting the importance of safety and togetherness during the holiday season.
Summary: Families in Nadi faced a tough Christmas due to floods, with Ulamila Waqavatu recounting her evacuation experience. Amid the challenges, they found gratitude for safety and community support, emphasizing the true spirit of the holiday.
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