Sera Nawaqali, 73, still misses her beloved sister.

Maria Leba, 72, was among the many Fijians who died when Tropical Cyclone Winston made landfall a year ago today.

Ms Nawaqali said her sister lives in DakuivunaVillage in Wainibuka and had travelled to Silana Village, Dawasumu, for a short visit.

“I asked her to come and visit me never knowing that she will die here,” she said.

The sisters are from Nayavuira, Nakorotubu, Ra.

“It was a real tragedy. I was rushed to the hospital because I was badly injured and was losing a lot of blood. While in hospital, my sister was here dying,” she said.

“My sister died because of the cold.”

The late Ms Leba died at Silana District School where the villagers took shelter.

“I am never going to get over my sister’s death.”

Meanwhile, a villager who wished remain anonymous said: “We were all wet and there were no dry clothes. We only cared about our safety. Maria died because there was nothing that we could do or use to cover her with. She was a very kind and caring woman.”