Continuous Rainfall Leads To Flooding, Lomanikoro Villagers Worried

Continuous heavy rainfall experienced around the country this week left vil­lagers of Lomanikoro in Naka­saleka, Kadavu devastated.

This was after floodwaters en­tered the village boundaries through a partially built sea­wall, leaving properties and vil­lage walkways flooded for days.

Villager, Vetaia Delaiverata said movement around the vil­lage compound was restricted be­cause safety of all villagers espe­cially children was top priority.

“This is a recurrence, whenev­er it rains heavily we have been having this issue here in the vil­lage,” Mr Delaiverata said.

“School children are forced to stay home on a school day be­cause it is safe to do so when there is a flood,” he said.

“The heavy rain which began on Sunday has been non-stop and we have our village compound or a massive part of it flooded. Families have been urged to stay indoors for their safety.”

He said as rain continues over the week, villagers were bracing for the worst.

Mr Delaiverata urged their own living in cities and overseas to help fundraise for the completion of the existing seawall.

“We have pleaded with villag­ers who live overseas to collect money for this issue that we have been facing and be able to com­plete the seawall so that floodwa­ters do not enter the village,” he said.

“We are also building our vil­lage hall at the moment but I have pleaded with the elders to first complete the seawall then move onto completing the hall as we approach the season where we expect more rain.

“It is the festive season and we just want all families to be happy and not be devastated with the continuous flooding.”