Jope Maravu of Daria Village in Bua says they are grateful to be able to wake up to live another day.

This was after they felt the devastating impact of Cyclone Yasa ravage Vanua Levu impacting the Bua Province on Thursday night.

Speaking from the village yesterday, Mr Maravu said out of the 22 houses in the village, 11 were partially damaged and two were completely destroyed by strong winds.

Mr Maravu said the experience felt during the ordeal was one that he had never encountered before.

He said few strong houses and the church were used as evacuation centres when the cyclone hit the village on Thursday night. None sustained injuries.

“Luckily we took the cyclone warning very seriously and we took prompt action evacuating the villagers to the church which was a safer place to be,” Mr Maravu said.

“As of this (yesterday) morning we have been able to come out of the evacuation centre and witness the damage that have been left behind by Cyclone Yasa,” he said.

He said Ratu Luke Primary School and teachers quarters which were near the village were destroyed.

“Farms have also been destroyed, 11 homes have been partially damaged where rooftops and walls have flown off and two houses completely destroyed,” he said.

BAGATA VILLAGE

Merelita Finau of Bucalevu Settlement in Bagata Village, Cakaudrove, said they were picking up the pieces and already rebuilding the damage caused by Cyclone Yasa over the past two days.

Ms Finau said out of the 10 houses in the settlement, five homes were severely damaged.

“These homes have had roofs blown off, trees uprooted, crops damaged and extensive flooding as the raging river burst its banks,” Ms Finau said.

“We are yet to determine if there are any injuries or casualties.

“A bridge that links the village is underwater as well, living villagers on the other end stranded, we will have to wait until water recedes to cross over and assess the damage.”

She said damage in Vunivesi Village, the village next to Bagata were extensive.

The school and kindergarten sustained major damage as a result of destructive winds.

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