Week after waterspout, Korolevu family still pleads for help

A week after a powerful waterspout tore the roof off his family home, Desmond Dass says his family is still living exposed to the elements, waiting for help that has yet to arrive.

The 36-year-old from Korolevu said he, his wife and uncle have been sheltering under damaged tarpaulin since January 9, when the second of three waterspouts struck their coastal property at about 10.45am.

“The water is still getting inside,” Mr Dass said yesterday.
“We cannot wait much longer because it keeps raining. It has already been one week.”

Mr Dass said the waterspout lifted the roof clean off the house — a structure built by his grandfather — flinging it into nearby hills and leaving the home with extensive structural damage.

Cracks were left in the kitchen and living room walls, and the house is no longer safe to live in, he said.

Repair costs are estimated at more than $50,000.

While tarpaulin was provided by district offices as an immediate measure, Mr Dass said no further government assistance has been received, forcing the family to consider launching a fundraising appeal.

“We will accept whatever help can be given,” he said.
“Life is very difficult for us right now.”

Mr Dass said villagers tried an age-old traditional practice of banging iron to ward off the waterspout. While two came ashore, a third, larger waterspout remained at sea.

Having lived in the home for 36 years, Mr Dass warned other coastal residents to remain vigilant as weather patterns continue to change.

“The weather is changing these days,” he said.
“Everyone should be prepared for these sudden disasters.”

Those wishing to assist can contact Mr Dass on 9785207.