Ba Town picks up the pieces after flood devastation

Ba Town is slowly picking up the pieces after flash flooding triggered by Tropical Cyclone Urmil left the municipal market caked in mud and debris.

Vendors returned not to trade, but to scrub floors, salvage what they could and count their losses, determined to reopen their doors and restore a sense of normalcy.

The Ba Market is expected to reopen on Wednesday, subject to clearance from the National Fire Authority.

Vendor Zareena Ali and her husband, Nazkat Ali, were among those cleaning their stall after muddy floodwaters swept through the building.

“We were caught off guard. These disasters affect us time and again. We lost gallons and about $1000 worth of suki tobacco,” she said.

“It is sad that we have to go through this from time to time.”

Instead of staying home, many vendors joined Ba Town Council staff in clearing debris and washing down stalls, working side by side to restore the marketplace.

Ba Town Council Special Administrator Yogesh Naidu confirmed the reopening plans.

“We are expecting the National Fire Authority to come and inspect before it opens for business,” he said.

“The Fish Market has been thoroughly cleaned and restored following Sunday’s flooding. Our team acted promptly to ensure the entire fish market area was cleaned.”

Mr Naidu thanked vendors and council staff for their collective effort in removing mud and debris left behind by the floodwaters.