A tragic incident occurred in Naituvatuvavatu Village, Wainibuka, where a 5-year-old girl was swept away by strong currents while attempting to cross the Waisomi River. The girl was with her 32-year-old aunt and seven other children, returning from a trip to gather edible lady fern when the accident happened.
The local Turaga ni Koro reported the event to the police, leading Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACPO) Livai Driu to announce that three officers were sent to join the search efforts. Unfortunately, the search had to be suspended due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions. Authorities plan to resume the search today.
ACPO Driu took this opportunity to emphasize the need for parents to closely supervise their children, especially during the school holiday season. He urged parents to take responsibility and ensure they spend quality time with their children, rather than attending gatherings that could lead to distractions.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety, particularly around bodies of water. As the community comes together to support the search efforts, it highlights the resilience and compassion of individuals when faced with adversity.
Summary: A 5-year-old girl from Naituvatuvavatu Village was swept away by strong currents while crossing the Waisomi River, prompting a police search that was paused due to weather conditions. Officials have called for increased parental supervision during the school holidays to prevent similar tragedies.
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