Pauliasi Naiova probably had one of the most terrifying deaths of those who died when severe Tropical Cyclone Winston made landfall last year.

Born crippled on one side of his body, Mr Naiova was left alone in a corrugated iron house only metres away from the surging tides that night one year ago.

The next morning, his body was found buried among the debris. The house was destroyed.

Cousin Osea Balesavu recalled the story leading up to the death of Mr Naiova.

“My wife and I have always been the ones responsible for Naiova’s life as we made his food and met his needs when required, as his parents have neglected him and moved to other places in Fiji,” Mr Balesavu said.

“On that particular night I had carried him to our big house as we feared the house he was in would collapse soon and that’s when the wind was at its peak.

“I realised my wife Viema Nasara had not come home and I feared for her as she was pregnant with our first child.”

Mr Balesavu left to search for his then-pregnant wife, hoping to return to help his cousin. He found his wife but was unable to return because of fallen trees and the violent weather.

The next day Mr Naiova was found among the debris of the home.