LAUTOKA – Homes and farms that were just recovering from the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Evan about two months ago were again destroyed by floodwaters that hit Lautoka this week.
And people residing in low lying areas were seen vacating their homes as they sought shelter on high ground. Seventy eight-year-old Ana Ciri of Lovu HART home said the area was continuously subjected to flooding during heavy rain.
“I have been staying here for the past six years and this place always flood during heavy rain,” said Mrs Ciri after being ferried to safety by two youths from her flooded home.
Another HART resident Rada Mani, 52, said poor drainage was a major contributing factor to the constant floods. She said she had relocated her family to one of her relatives’ home in Lautoka but was worried about her household items.
“With the assistance of some youths in the area, we have managed to carry my crippled husband away from our flooded home to one of my relative’s home,” Mrs Rada said. “I am worried that the continuous rain could damage all my belongings,” she said.
Vunato settler Lusiani Nayavulagilagi said her home was flooded with many household belongings destroyed. “My fridge and washing machine were damaged by the floodwaters,” Ms Nayavulagilagi said. “I am worried about our safety at night if it continues to rain,” she said.
