Deo Raj never dreamt that he would live to see and experience the wrath of a category five cyclone.

When the storm hit Vanua Levu, Mr Raj said it was like playing cat and mouse, as the strong winds started to rip through his four-bedroom house.

Mr Raj and his son had to hide under a table, then run from one room and into another to escape being crushed by falling walls.

The 60-year-old said his other family members had taken shelter at a neighbour’s home, while he and his son stayed in their family home.

As fine weather settles in, Mr Raj is now picking up the pieces of their damaged home and rebuild again.

“I don’t really know where to start 25to rebuild our home,” Mr Raj said.

“We’re still collecting items that can be used. Ïts really hard, but taking one day at a time to rebuild.”

Deo Raj and his family take shelter in what’s left of their family home on December 20, 2020. Photo: Laisa Lui

Amid the devastation, Mr Raj breathed a sigh of relief when the Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, paid the family a visit to assess the damage they suffered.

The A-G and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama are in Vanua Levu visiting people and different areas hit hard by the storm.

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj