Christmas turned into a challenging experience for some families in Nadi due to unexpected flooding that struck on Tuesday. Among those affected was Ulamila Waqavatu, who found herself celebrating Christmas at an evacuation center with her family, making do with rice and dhal as their holiday meal.
Ms. Waqavatu and her family were part of a group of 62 evacuees whose homes in the Nawaka area were inundated by floodwaters. Having lived in Nawakalevu for over eight years, the mother of five recalled the urgency with which they had to evacuate. She noted that this occasion was markedly different; instead of the usual alerts to prepare for possible flooding, the police arrived at their home to order an immediate evacuation.
“On Christmas morning, we were still asleep when the police came to get us and transport us to safety,” Ms. Waqavatu recollected. “I didn’t expect the flooding to be so severe, and I had no time to gather our belongings.
As she waded towards the police truck with water rising to her waist, she realized the gravity of the situation, momentarily forgetting the festive nature of the day. Upon arrival at the evacuation center, their Christmas meal consisted of simple dhal and rice, a stark contrast to the celebrations they had planned. Yet, in the face of adversity, Ms. Waqavatu reflected on the deeper meaning of Christmas, stating, “The celebration of food and drinks doesn’t matter much on Christmas; God’s love for us matters the most.”
She expressed her gratitude that no lives were lost during the disaster, highlighting the vital role of the police who provided timely assistance. A single mother, Vasiti Vosawale, also faced her own challenges as her home was affected by the flood. The evacuees were housed in 12 classrooms at Andrews Primary School in Nadi, one of three evacuation centers in the area.
This year’s Christmas experience for these families serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and the value of community support in times of crisis. While they may have faced hardship, their stories demonstrate the strength of the human spirit, gratitude for safety, and the bonds that hold communities together during difficult times.
As communities rally together to assist those affected, it brings hope that even in the face of adversity, support and solidarity can pave the way for recovery and healing.
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