This Christmas was marked by hardship for some families in Nadi, particularly for Ulamila Waqavatu and her family, who found themselves celebrating the holiday at an evacuation center due to severe flooding. The Waqavatus were among the 62 evacuees whose homes were inundated in the Nawaka area, forced to leave their community behind after police issued a sudden evacuation order early Christmas morning.
Ms. Waqavatu, a mother of five, explained that the evacuation was unexpected, saying, “The police came and told us to evacuate immediately.” With water rising swiftly, she had little time to gather belongings, leaving her home with the floodwaters reaching her waist. The family’s Christmas meal consisted of rice and dhal at the evacuation center, a stark contrast to the festive celebrations they had hoped for.
Despite the challenges, Ms. Waqavatu expressed gratitude for life and safety, stating, “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 acknowledged the importance of listening to police advice after experiencing floods over the past years, and thanked them for their swift action which likely saved lives.
Another single mother, Vasiti Vosawale, also shared her disappointment, calling the day a “Christmas disaster”. The evacuees were accommodated in classrooms at Andrews Primary School, one of three evacuation centers set up in Nadi.
While this Christmas may have been overshadowed by the disaster, the community’s resilience and faith shine through as families prioritize safety over material celebrations. The efforts of police and local support systems highlight the strength and compassion found in times of crisis, reminding us all of the importance of community and gratitude during difficult times.
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