Forty-seven families in Tavualevu Village, Tavua, are currently taking refuge in evacuation centers due to severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall across the Western Division. One such family is led by 45-year-old Titilia Raibe Tamailebo, who expressed her distress over the loss of her home and farm. The family has been unable to sleep well since Thursday night, worried about their damaged property.
Tamailebo recounted how they began relocating essential items to the Tavua District School evacuation center after 9 am on Friday. “Our farm is destroyed, and all our mattresses are wet and have drifted away,” she said. She managed to save her washing machine and fridge, but they are currently without electricity and have lost many kitchen appliances.
The family’s home is situated in a lower area of the village, making it particularly vulnerable to flooding from the nearby Nasivi River. Village headman Emosi Vueti noted that flash flooding is not a rare event in the community. “This year alone, the village has faced multiple instances of flash floods, especially with the persistent heavy rain,” he explained. Vueti added that residents are becoming accustomed to these challenges but stressed the urgent need for government intervention to excavate the river, which has become more shallow due to sediment build-up from the Vatukoula River.
Despite previous discussions with the Minister for Housing, Maciu Nalumisa, and other governmental bodies regarding their plight, Vueti is concerned that without concrete actions, their pleas for assistance may go unheard. Meanwhile, Tamailebo is seeking help to replace mattresses and other lost belongings.
In a time of despair, the community’s resilience shines through. They are rallying together and seeking assistance to overcome the damage and challenges posed by the flooding. The situation highlights the importance of proper infrastructure and proactive measures to mitigate flooding, showcasing a united front for their recovery.
This unfortunate incident also serves as a reminder of the increasing need for communities to be prepared for climate-related disasters. As awareness grows regarding these issues, it is hoped that government agencies will respond effectively to prevent future catastrophes and enhance disaster readiness in vulnerable areas.
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