In 1993, Cyclone Kina wreaked havoc across Fiji, leaving many residents to reconstruct their lives in the aftermath. The Fiji Times reported on January 19, 1993, detailing the significant damage and the ongoing recovery efforts following the cyclone.
Saroj Kumari, a housewife from Nacokalka Rd near Baulevu, voiced her deep concerns as her family struggled to rebuild their lives after their home was severely damaged. The cyclone resulted in the destruction of their furniture and household items. Ms. Kumari recounted how the Rewa River had overflowed, flooding their tin shack and compelling them to save only a few belongings before seeking refuge on a nearby hill. The floodwaters completely ruined their furniture, forcing them to dispose of waterlogged items by burning them.
“We will have to begin all over again,” Ms. Kumari lamented. She expressed her heartbreak at losing cherished possessions, including beds, wardrobes, settees, tables, mattresses, and blankets. Despite the challenges, she, her construction worker husband, and their three children were gradually working on rebuilding their lives. “It will be hard to build up again like that,” she admitted, yet expressed gratitude to the Disaster Management Committee for their assistance, stating, “We have got enough food to last a month.”
Residents in Koroqaqa faced additional issues, including the presence of decaying livestock. A local reported discovering over 200 dead cows, some still trapped beneath debris, which posed a risk of disease outbreaks due to the lingering odor.
In Waila, near Nausori, 45-year-old Bhan Mati was living in a tent with her 18-year-old son, relying on government aid to rebuild their home. “This is the first time I have seen food distributed so quickly and fairly,” she remarked, expressing satisfaction with the assistance. When asked if she knew of anyone receiving aid who did not deserve it, Mrs. Mati replied negatively, insisting, “They should not be doing that.”
Residents along Corbett Avenue in Waila reported minimal damage to their homes but received food rations, including tinned fish, mutton, and flour. Some questioned the rationale behind providing aid to those with less significant damage, suggesting that resources could have been better allocated to those in greater need.
Krishan Prasad, the divisional planning officer for Central, addressed concerns regarding the distribution of food rations. He explained that discrepancies stemmed from registration errors and that advisory councillors distributed supplies based on their lists. Mr. Prasad assured that the distribution process would be reviewed to resolve these complaints, confirming that additional food supplies would be allocated to those who initially received a limited amount.