A Nadi family is counting their blessings after a large mango tree crashed through the roof of their home during rough weather yesterday morning, narrowly avoiding what could have been a serious injury. Homeowner Ravuama Senibuli and his wife and four children were jolted awake by a loud thud at about 7.30am when the tree was uprooted by gusty winds and toppled onto the house.
“It happened early this morning, the force of the wind caused that mango tree to fall on our roof,” Mr Senibuli told reporters. He said the household of six rushed to investigate the noise from the back of the property and discovered the tree lying across their roof, leaving significant structural damage but, thankfully, no injuries.
Neighbours and family members helped the Senibulis assess the damage and start clearing debris, with the family beginning the labour-intensive task of removing branches and damaged roofing sheets. No emergency services were reported at the scene and the family has not indicated they require assistance beyond neighbours’ help at this stage.
The incident came as Nadi and parts of western Viti Levu were buffeted by a bout of strong winds and rain. Meteorological reports issued earlier in the current weather episode warned of gusty conditions across the western division; recent monitoring by the Fiji Meteorological Service recorded wind gusts in the Nadi area reaching about 70 kilometres per hour during similar squalls. Local authorities have previously noted that such gusts can uproot older trees or those with compromised root systems, increasing the risk of property damage.
Falling trees remain a common hazard during sudden wind events in Fiji, particularly where large fruit trees overhang residences. While the Senibuli family escaped physical harm, the collapse highlights ongoing vulnerabilities for households with tall trees close to living areas. The family will likely need repairs to the roof and structural assessment to ensure the home is safe for continued occupation.
As the Senibulis clear the site, weather watchers have urged residents to stay alert for further showers and gusts over the coming days and to avoid working alone under unstable trees or damaged structures. For now, the family in Nadi is relieved that what began as a panicked early-morning scramble ended without injury, even as they face the cost and effort of restoring their home.
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