Families already affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston had to bear another tragedy as heavy rainfall caused flash- flooding in flood-prone areas in the Western Division.

Many families, who had lost their homes during Winston, were still living in tents when floodwaters swept into their tents causing more damage.

Floodwaters damaged food supplies, furniture and clothing and beddings.

Adi Nanise Taiki Kama of Navou Settlement in Ba said floodwaters entering her tent has made life more difficult.

Sleepless nights

“We had lost everything in the cyclone and now we have to go through the flooding; it has made our lives more difficult,” Ms Kama said.

“We can’t sleep at night.”

Filise Nabua also said they were managing with what they had even though floodwaters entered their family tent.

“We are trying to make do but floodwaters had damaged our food and clothing,” Mr Nabua said.

And Karavi, Ba resident Sheyana Bibi said: “Our house was completely blown away during the cyclone and we were still in the process of rebuilding our house when flood waters destroyed our belongings which we managed to save after the cyclone.

“Tents were of great help during sunny weather but as for the rainy weather we have to sort things out so that this same thing is not repeated when we approach the rainy days ahead.”

Meanwhile, families which were in the evacuation centres are now preparing to move back to their homes, cleaning up and still waiting for help in terms of temporary shelter.

Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti

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