A family in Sawani has been left homeless after a landslide triggered by severe rain and flooding. Homeowner Ranjeev Prasad recounted that the landslide began around 5 a.m. yesterday, forcing his family to flee their home in fear of being trapped under the debris.
Mr. Prasad, who has lived in the house for over 37 years, expressed disbelief, stating this was the first time they had encountered such a disaster. “We heard some cracking sounds, and when I looked out the window, I saw the mud coming down,” he shared. They were unable to retrieve their personal belongings, which are still inside the damaged house. “We have to start over from scratch,” he lamented, noting that they would stay with neighbors while they planned their next steps. He also mentioned that it could take months to clear the debris from their home.
Additionally, the landslide has significantly impacted local businesses. Deepak Vishal Narayan, owner of Narayan Motors Service Station Ltd, reported that his shop suffered damage from water and mud, affecting fridges and food supplies. The service station will remain closed until safety inspections and cleanup efforts are completed, impacting residents who rely on the service.
The Fiji Meteorological Service has warned that cloud and rain are expected to continue affecting the Central, Eastern, and Northern divisions of the country. In response to the situation, the National Disaster Management Office has urged residents in the impacted areas of Vatuwaqa and Wailoku in Suva to seek refuge at nearby evacuation centers. The designated centers include St Marcellin Primary School, Marist Champagnat Institute, and Marata Hall in Wailoku.
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