Dozens evacuate as repeated floods hit Nadi settlement

Repeated flash floods have forced dozens of families from the Nawajikuma settlement in Nadi to evacuate, as heavy rain continues to batter the Western Division this week.

Families spent two consecutive nights battling rising waters, with many seeking shelter at Andrews Primary School after floodwaters entered their homes.

Epeli Samusamuvodre, 22, said yesterday that residents were caught off guard by back-to-back flooding.

“We were hit by flash flooding again for two straight days because of heavy rain,” he said.

“Some family members went to Andrews Primary School to take cover, while others stayed behind to watch the property. This is no joke; water was inside our homes.”

Mr Samusamuvodre said families were waiting for floodwaters to recede before beginning clean-up. “All is safe, but the damage is there.”

Luisa Kaira of Nawajikuma settlement with her family at the evacuation centre at Andrews Primary School in Nadi.

Photo: Katherine Naidu

Luisa Kaira, 44, said she returned home from work on Monday to find her house flooded.

“I knocked off work and went home, and it was flooded. We moved to the school for safety,” she said.

About 40 to 50 families have been sheltering at the school since Monday. Ms Kaira said some people brought food with them, while others grabbed whatever they could.

“We need help to assist us in this time of disaster.” She called on health authorities to check on vulnerable residents.

“We hope the weather clears so we can move home. We also need the Ministry of Health to visit the elderly and infants.”

Another resident, Vasemaca Bailumu, said floodwaters reached the last step of her house.

“Prevention is better than cure. We moved to be safe. In the morning, we found water inside our home,” Ms Bailumu said.

“As the water started to rise, we arranged a vehicle to transport us to the evacuation centre because we did not know how severe it would be this time.”

With four children and six grandchildren, she fears the cycle will continue.

Residents wade through floodwaters at Nawajikuma settlement in Nadi as heavy rain inundated homes.

Photo: Katherine Naidu