In Tavualevu Village, Tavua, a heavy downpour has led to significant flash flooding, affecting 47 families who are currently taking refuge in evacuation centers. One of the evacuees, 45-year-old Titilia Raibe Tamailebo, expressed distress over the damage to her family’s property and farm.
“Our farm is destroyed, all our mattresses are wet and have all drifted away,” she lamented. The Tamailebo family was able to salvage some essential appliances, but they remain without electricity and have lost much of their household belongings. Their home is situated in the lower part of the village, making them particularly vulnerable to rising water levels from the nearby Nasivi River.
Emosi Vueti, the village headman, mentioned that flash flooding has become a frequent issue in the area, especially during prolonged periods of heavy rainfall. He highlighted the ongoing problem with the Nasivi River becoming increasingly shallow due to sediment deposits from the Vatukoula River, which exacerbates flooding risks. Mr. Vueti has been actively seeking governmental support to excavate the river to mitigate future flooding events.
As the community rallies together, Ms. Tamailebo is calling for assistance to replace the mattresses and other items lost during the floods. Their resilience in facing such challenges is commendable, and there is hope that increased attention and support from the government can lead to improved conditions for the village.
With ongoing discussions between the village leaders and government officials, there is optimism that necessary actions will be taken to prevent future disasters, ensuring a safer environment for the families affected by flooding.
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