Cyclone Yasa was worse than a nightmare.

A description given by a 27-year-old pregnant mother, Silina Baleloa who experienced the worst cyclone on Thursday night.

Pregnant mother Silina Baleloa (right) with Votua villagers: Tubutubu Ratu, Loalive Motovuna, Viniana Rakibulu, Kelera Viseai, Akuila Ratu, Oripa Hadassh Villiame Kinikinilau and Seniana Mavi at Lekutu Secondary School in Bua on December 18, 2020.
Photo: Renu Radhika

The Votua native from Lekutu in Bua was evacuated with more than 40 people to Lekutu Secondary School for their safety but around 6pm the school was also destroyed by Cyclone Yasa.

Ms Baleloa said upon looking at the weather condition the evacuees had requested to shelter in the new building but it was denied by the school head.

“We came down to the evacuation centre for our safety but never knew things will end like this.

“Around 6pm with strong winds and heavy rain it destroyed the school building and teachers’ quarters.”

She said the villagers were given the old building and the new one was occupied by the teachers.

“As evacuees, we were in shock, crying and we hid ourselves under the tables,” she said.

She added when they were all wet and the weather became worse with a lot of strong winds one of the teachers asked them to move into the new building.

“Why did they call us inside when next day they told everyone to use the corridor,” she said.

Ms Baleloa said they would be returning back to the village once the road was cleared by villagers.

It is understood that houses in the village were also destroyed.

She said this was the first time in her life she experienced a category five cyclone.

The mother of one child thanked God for saving their lives since no one was hurt or injured.

Together with Lekutu Secondary School many other schools have been damaged in Bua Province.

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