A tragic incident occurred in Naituvatuvavatu village, Wainibuka, where a 5-year-old girl was swept away by powerful river currents while crossing the Waisomi river. The child was with seven other children and her aunt, aged 32, after a trip to gather edible lady fern.
Local authorities were alerted to the situation by the village chief. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACPO) Livai Driu reported that three police officers were dispatched to assist in the search efforts. However, the search had to be halted due to darkness and poor weather conditions, with plans to continue the following day.
ACPO Driu emphasized the importance of parental supervision, particularly during school breaks. He urged parents to take greater responsibility and remain vigilant over their children’s activities, advising them to prioritize spending time with their kids over attending social gatherings.
In light of this unfortunate event, it serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role parents play in ensuring their children’s safety, especially in potentially hazardous environments. The community’s support and cooperation can also aid in the ongoing search efforts.
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