Nabua families still cleaning up after terrifying overnight flood

Families in the Fiji Muslim League Settlement in Nabua are still cleaning their homes today after a sudden flash flood trapped them in waist-deep water, destroyed belongings, and left many without food or rest.

The water has now receded, but the damage remains everywhere.

Fiji Muslim League resident Shalen Singh, said the floodwaters rose rapidly last night, giving them no time to save anything.

Many lost groceries, clothes, electrical appliances, tools, and furniture. He said it was the worst flooding he has ever seen.

Fiji Muslim League Settlement resident, Shalen Singh in front of his house on December 8, 2025.

Photo: Mere Ledua

Mr Singh had recently started a small construction business, investing in new tools and machinery.

“All my tools, all my equipment, everything was inside the house. The water came and ruined it all. Now I have to start again all over again,” he said.

He lives with his wife, children, and father. He said the water surged in “within 15 minutes,” turning the settlement into a river. “We never slept last night. We are still cleaning inside and outside. Even a big tree fell and blocked the area. I’m trying to remove it myself,” he said.

This morning, residents continued sweeping out mud, reconnecting broken water pipes, and sorting through damaged belongings.

Another resident, Manasa Loco, spent the night helping his elderly neighbour, Maya Lata, whose home was filled with mud.

Early this morning, he found the elderly woman unconscious and showing signs of a stroke.

“I called the ambulance. She is now in the Colonial War Memorial Hospital emergency ward,” Mr Loco said.

The woman’s only daughter lives in Nausori and has not been notified yet. Mr Singh said the main cause of the flooding is the debris and rubbish that wash down from higher ground during heavy rain.

“We need help to clear the top area,” Mr Singh said. “If that is fixed, this kind of flooding will stop.”

Despite the water receding, families say it will take days before their homes feel safe again.