In 1993, Cyclone Kina caused significant destruction across Fiji, leaving many residents struggling to rebuild their lives. On January 19, The Fiji Times provided updates on the aftermath, highlighting the extensive damage and recovery efforts in affected areas.
Naitasiri housewife Saroj Kumari from Nacokalka Road near Baulevu expressed her frustration as her family confronted the immense task of starting over after the cyclone wrecked their home, destroying their furniture and personal belongings. Ms. Kumari shared her experience of the Rewa River overflowing and inundating their tin shack, forcing them to salvage only a few items before seeking safety on a nearby hill. The floodwaters ruined their belongings, leading them to burn what was beyond repair. “We will have to begin all over again,” she lamented, noting the loss of beds, wardrobes, and other cherished items.
Despite the challenges, Ms. Kumari, along with her husband, a construction worker, and their three children, began the slow process of rebuilding. She expressed gratitude for the assistance from the Disaster Management Committee, which provided enough food for a month.
Residents in Koroqaqa faced their own troubles as they dealt with dead livestock. Local reports indicated that over 200 dead cows remained, some still trapped under debris, creating health concerns due to the decaying animals.
In Waila near Nausori, 45-year-old Bhan Mati was living in a tent with her 18-year-old son, awaiting government support to reconstruct their home. She noted the efficient and equitable distribution of food during this crisis, stating, “We are quite happy with what we have.” When asked about others receiving aid undeservedly, she responded that she hadn’t noted such instances but emphasized that it shouldn’t occur.
Residents of Corbett Avenue in Waila reported minimal damage to their homes but nevertheless received food rations, including tinned fish, mutton, and flour. Some questioned the allocation of aid, believing it could have been better directed toward those who suffered greater losses.
Krishan Prasad, the divisional planning officer for Central, addressed the concerns regarding food distribution. He attributed the discrepancies to registration errors and noted that advisory councillors used their own lists for distribution. Prasad promised to review the process to rectify issues and assured that additional food supplies would be allocated to those who initially received inadequate provisions.