Forty-seven families from Tavualevu Village in Tavua are currently taking refuge in evacuation centers due to severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall in the Western Division.

One evacuee, Titilia Raibe Tamailebo, 45, expressed her distress over the loss of their farm and possessions. “Our farm is destroyed, all our mattresses are wet and have drifted away,” she shared, underscoring the emotional toll of the disaster. The family began relocating to the Tavua District School evacuation center on Friday morning, managing to salvage some essential items like their washing machine and fridge, although they remain without electricity.

The Tamailebo residence is particularly vulnerable due to its location on the lower part of the village, making it susceptible to flooding from the nearby Nasivi River. Emosi Vueti, a village headman, noted that flash flooding has become increasingly common in the area, exacerbated by sediment buildup in the riverbed, particularly from the Vatukoula River. He has reached out to government officials, including the Minister for Housing, Maciu Nalumisa, for assistance in dredging the river to prevent further flooding.

In light of the situation, Ms. Tamailebo is urgently seeking help to replace lost mattresses and other essentials.

This situation highlights the resilience of communities in the face of natural disasters. While the flooding has caused significant hardships, the quick response from the affected families and the plea for governmental intervention reflect a community prepared to confront these challenges together. As discussions about river management increase, there is hope that effective measures will be taken to protect the village from future flooding events.