Two weeks into the new year, Desmond Dass of Korolevu, Nadroga, experienced distress as a waterspout emerged from the sea, inflicting significant damage to his property. The incident occurred last Friday, with the powerful winds destroying the roof of his family home, which is valued at over $50,000.
In an interview, Mr. Dass expressed that this was the first occasion a natural disaster had caused such extensive damage to his residence. He described witnessing three waterspouts off the coast, with the second one advancing towards his home around 10:45 AM.
He recounted, “As it came from the sea, it looked like boiling water with bubbles being sucked into the air.” Mr. Dass mentioned that while his family had encountered tidal waves before, this particular event felt unprecedented. He and his uncle were at home, while his wife was at work, when they faced what he perceived as a dual threat—more than just a typical waterspout.
“People refer to it as a waterspout, but I would say it was a tornado. We’ve seen many waterspouts across the ocean, but this one combined the ferocity of a tornado,” he stated, noting its path of destruction as it uprooted trees and debris.
He was alerted by his nephew just as the waterspout was nearing, thanks to the warning signs of banging tins in the community. Thankfully, the larger waterspout veered off and dissipated.
Mr. Dass expressed his gratitude for the support from the Korolevu community and friends who have come forward to donate tin roofing materials to aid in rebuilding his home. For those who wish to help Mr. Dass financially or with materials, he can be contacted at 9785207.
The community’s response highlights the spirit of resilience and support in the face of adversity, offering hope as Mr. Dass begins the recovery process.
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