Ratu Baleidreima, a 53-year-old resident of Nadi, is determined to build a more robust home that can withstand future floods. Recently, he, along with his wife and five children, faced the distressing experience of being evacuated from their makeshift home when floodwaters inundated their dwelling.
Currently, the family is among the evacuees taking refuge at Andrews Primary School in Nadi. In 2019, Baleidreima invested in a piece of land in Nawaijikuma Settlement, an area susceptible to flooding, and constructed a temporary shelter for his family. Every flood event forces them to seek shelter at an evacuation center.
“My primary aspiration is to construct a house elevated on posts for my family,” Baleidreima expressed. However, due to financial constraints, as he prioritizes his children’s education, this goal remains unattainable for now. His eldest child attends Nadi Special School, while his second child is set to begin high school next year, along with three others in primary school.
Baleidreima recounted the events leading to their evacuation. “On Christmas Day, we were just about to have lunch when the water surged into our home. I alerted the police, and we quickly packed food, cooking utensils, and clothes before being taken to safety.”
As the family waits for the floodwaters to recede, Baleidreima plans to return and clean their home. His story highlights the resilience of families facing natural disasters and the hope for better living conditions in the future.
This family’s experience sheds light on the ongoing challenges posed by climate-related disasters. It underscores the necessity for communities to adapt and improve housing infrastructure for those living in vulnerable areas. There remains a glimmer of hope as Baleidreima clings to his vision for a safer home, illustrating the strength of the human spirit in adversity.
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