A house in Naverea, Savusavu, which was repaired from the damages done by Cyclone Yasa, went up in flames yesterday.

As a result, 10 people are now without a home. The house had two flats rented by two families.

Owner Tayib Ali was in town when his cousin called. Mr Ali rushed to the house but there was nothing he could do.

Mr Ali said a family had been staying there for six months while the other for five months. He said the incident occurred around 12.40 pm.

“This was my old house, I had a lot of memories here,” Mr Ali said.

“Currently the families are staying in my brother’s house. All their belongings are destroyed.”

Repairs to the house from Cyclone Yasa had just been completed two days ago.

Tenant Ramzan Khan said he was dealt a real blow.

Mr Khan, 36, a market vendor in Savusavu sells roti parcels, peas, and peanuts to support his family.

He had been staying in the house for six years and his three children were schooling at the nearby Khemendra Primary School.

“I was sitting with my family when the other tenant shouted fire, we ran towards her but it was too late,” he said.

“My personal damages come between $10,000 and $15,000. I am thankful that the owner’s brother has given us space to stay in.”

Mr Khan said his wife was admitted to Savusavu hospital as she was a heart patient.

The cause of fire is yet to be identified and National Fire Authority investigations continue. Total damage was estimated at around $40,000.

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