Methodist Church members of Kadavu believe that it was divine intervention that spared them from the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Namalata circuit clergyman, Apisai Tawake, said the damage on their island was not severe compared to other islands like Koro and Vanuabalavu.

Kadavu usually bore the brunt of previous cyclones.

“We started preparing ourselves when we heard the cyclone was passing through Yasawa and it is always a common thing that our island will be one of the worst affected after a natural disaster,” he said.

“Then we waited for the cyclone to hit us but it was like a miracle when it went past us, it felt like someone directed the cyclone to leave us.”

Mr Tawake said the devastation left by two hurricanes in the 1900s was one of the worst for Kadavu.

“We thought that the damage by Tropical Cyclone Winston will be worse but it wasn’t,” he said.

“Few houses were partially damaged, but with a category five cyclone like Winston we thought that houses will be fully destroyed and the villages will be in a mess.”

Mr Tawake said he believed that it was divine intervention that saved them from Tropical Cyclone Winston.

“It was the love and protection of God that saved us from the devastation of Cyclone Winston, we are a living example,” he said.

Delegates from Kadavu are in Suva for the church’s annual conference.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback: arieta.vakasukawaqa@fijisun.com.fj