On April 4, 1973, Savusavu in Vanua Levu was unexpectedly struck by fierce winds exceeding 50 knots, attributed to Cyclone Juliette. This sudden onslaught resulted in extensive damage, destroying homes and schools while also affecting small vessels in the area.
A report from The Fiji Times the following day revealed that Cyclone Juliette wreaked havoc as it moved towards Taveuni, damaging at least two pleasure crafts. Among those affected was planter Eddie Douglas, who sustained head injuries during a rescue attempt when his launch was battered against Taveuni’s rocky coastline.
Adrian Tarte’s launch, the Adi Vaturogo, was reported missing in the aftermath of the cyclone. The winds sharply escalated wave activity within Savusavu Bay, littering the waterfront with debris and casting several small boats adrift.
The storm left approximately 20 residents of Savusavu homeless after their traditional homes in Nacekoro were destroyed, forcing them into temporary housing in nearby Yaroi Village. Despite the widespread destruction, district officer Tom Cornish indicated there were no reported casualties.
Wilfred Stephens, the headteacher of Savusavu Government Primary School, described the chaotic moment the storm struck while he was cleaning after a gathering. He recounted how a sudden roar engulfed the area and left the school building severely damaged, surpassing the intensity of winds experienced during Hurricane Bebe.
With fallen coconut trees obstructing roads on both coasts of Savusavu, the Public Works Department promptly began clearing the paths to restore traffic flow. Meanwhile, around 120 students at Savusavu Junior Secondary School lost their classrooms, and survey teams were dispatched to assess the extent of the destruction.
On Taveuni, district officer Temo Stuart noted that the cyclone’s winds began impacting the island around 5:30 AM, subsiding approximately an hour later. Coastal roads were compromised in multiple locations due to the high seas.
This event serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the resilience required to recover from such disasters. The community’s response to this calamity can inspire hope for future preparedness and improvement in safety measures against natural disasters.
In summary, Cyclone Juliette’s unexpected arrival in 1973 caused significant devastation in Savusavu and Taveuni, but it also highlighted the strength and tenacity of the affected communities as they worked to recover from the aftermath.
Leave a comment