In 1993, Cyclone Kina caused significant destruction across Fiji, leaving many families to rebuild their lives in the aftermath. According to reports from The Fiji Times on January 19, 1993, the extensive damage prompted ongoing recovery efforts.
Saroj Kumari, a housewife in Naitasiri, voiced her frustration as her family grappled with the challenge of restoring their lives after the cyclone wreaked havoc on their home, destroying furniture and other essentials. She shared her experience with the publication, recounting how the Rewa River overflowed, flooding their tin shack and forcing them to rescue only a few belongings before taking refuge on a nearby hill. The floodwaters ruined much of their furniture, leading them to burn the water-damaged items.
“We will have to begin all over again,” Ms. Kumari stated. “Cyclone Kina has destroyed all our treasured items — beds, wardrobes, settees, tables, mattresses, and blankets.” Despite their struggles, Ms. Kumari, her husband who works in construction, and their three children are slowly working towards rebuilding their lives. “It will be hard to build up again like that, but I am thankful to the Disaster Management Committee for coming to us. We have received enough food to last a month,” she added.
In Koroqaqa, residents were confronted with the fallout from lost livestock, with dead cows lingering in the area due to soldiers burning them, raising concerns about foul odors and potential disease outbreaks. A local resident noted the discovery of over 200 dead cows, some still buried under debris.
In Waila, near Nausori, 45-year-old Bhan Mati was living in a tent with her 18-year-old son as they awaited government assistance to rebuild their home. “This is the first time I have seen food distributed so quickly and fairly,” she remarked, expressing her satisfaction with the aid provided. When asked about any cases of unfair ration distribution, Mrs. Mati denied knowledge of such occurrences but emphasized that it should not happen.
Residents of Corbett Avenue in Waila reported minimal damage to their homes but still received food rations, including canned fish, mutton, and flour. Some questioned the rationale behind providing aid to them, suggesting that resources would have been better utilized for those in more critical need.
Krishan Prasad, the divisional planning officer for Central Fiji, addressed the distribution concerns, explaining that the issues stemmed from registration errors. He stated that advisory councillors distributed supplies based on their compiled lists and assured that the distribution process would undergo review to resolve complaints. Additionally, he confirmed that more food supplies would be allocated to those who initially received limited amounts.