A family in Sawani has lost their home and possessions due to a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall and flooding. Ranjeev Prasad, the homeowner, reported that the landslide occurred early yesterday morning at 5 a.m. In a hurried escape from their collapsing home, the family left all their personal belongings behind, fearing being engulfed in mud.
Mr. Prasad mentioned that they had lived in the house for over 37 years, and this was the first incident of its kind. “We heard cracking sounds, and when I looked out the window, I saw the mud coming down,” he shared. “All my clothes and our belongings are still inside the house; we have to start from scratch.” He added that they would be staying with neighbors for the time being while they determine their next steps, estimating that it might take months to clear the debris from their home.
Deepak Vishal Narayan, owner of Narayan Motors Service Station Ltd, reported significant damage to his business due to the landslide, as water and mud affected the shop’s fridges and food items. He noted that the closure of his service station has impacted the local community, and it will remain shut until safety inspections and cleanup efforts are concluded.
The Fiji Meteorological Service has warned that related cloud and rain are expected to affect the Central, Eastern, and Northern divisions of the country today. Additionally, the National Disaster Management Office has advised residents in impacted areas of Vatuwaqa and Wailoku in Suva to relocate to nearby evacuation centers. The designated centers include St Marcellin Primary School, Marist Champagnat Institute, and Marata Hall in Wailoku.
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