A family in Sawani has lost their home and possessions due to a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall and flooding.
In an interview, homeowner Ranjeev Prasad recounted that the landslide struck around 5 a.m. yesterday. He explained that the family had to leave their house in a panic, fearing they might be buried by the mud, leaving all their personal belongings behind.
Prasad mentioned that his family had resided in their home for over 37 years, and this was the first time they experienced such a disaster. “We heard cracking sounds, and when I looked out the window, we saw the mud coming down,” he recounted. “My clothes and our belongings are all inside the house, and we must start from scratch again.” He added that the family would be staying with neighbors for the night as they figure out their next steps, noting that it could take months to clear the debris from their home.
The landslide also impacted local businesses, including the Narayan Motors Service Station Ltd, owned by Deepak Vishal Narayan. He reported that his business suffered significant damage due to water and mud affecting fridges and food items in the store. The service station will remain closed until safety inspections and cleanup are completed.
The Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) has indicated that cloud cover and rain are expected to impact the Central, Eastern, and Northern divisions of the country today.
Additionally, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has advised residents in the affected areas of Vatuwaqa and Wailoku in Suva to relocate to nearby evacuation centers. The designated centers include St Marcellin Primary School, Marist Champagnat Institute, and Marata Hall in Wailoku.
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