Asenaca Tikikula, 12, was looking forward to meeting her father returning from Labasa with their Sunday lunch.

It was Saturday, February 20, 2016. Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston had made landfall leaving behind a trail of destruction in its path.

At Cogea Village in Wainunu, Asenaca was sure that her father, Mosese Ratagau, would also bring home some sweets for her and her siblings.

Miriama Marama, a first cousin of the late Mr Ratagau,relayed the story of his tragic death.

“He was returning from Labasa and on the way he kept in contact with the children. They were happy that he was returning home with their goods and food for Sunday,” she said.

“According to the driver of the vehicle he was travelling in, my cousin died following a heart attack at the peak of the Cyclone. The devastation he saw around him, killed him.

“Because the trees had blocked the road to his home, another cousin had to get out of the vehicle and remove them, making way for the truck carrying Mosese’s body.

“There are days when we would cry as memories of Mosese come back to us. Memories of him are still fresh.”

Mr Ratagau died aged 49. He is survived by his five children. He had separated from his wife and lived with his children and elderly mother.

He was buried a day later at CogeaVillage in Wainunu, Bua.