We remember!

VERY early on this date in 2016, a number of things were certain. We were sure Tropical Cyclone Winston was heading for Fiji and the Lau Group, and it was technically, at the time, five knots away from becoming a Category 5 system.

The Fiji Meteorological Service director at the time Ravind Kumar said the islands of Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Namuka, Nayau, Ogea and Vanuavatu could expect to feel the brunt of Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston by mid-day.

A storm warning was forecast for the islands. Winston was predicted to enter Fiji waters on the night of February 19, bringing with it strong winds and heavy rain.

On its projected path, Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston was expected to maintain a category 4 intensity and was anticipated to lie about 70km east of Lakeba at mid-day on this day.

A Category 5 cyclone has the potential to blow the roofs of homes, and also extensively damage weak structures and houses.

It also has the destructive power to uproot trees.

As the State machinery moved into gear in anticipation of Winston, we all waited!

Then it happened!

Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston went past us in a blaze of fury and power. Winston left behind a trail of destruction.

By February 21, the official line was that five people had died in the wake of Winston’s severe beating of many parts of Fiji.

The power Winston unleashed on the country was shocking.

Anticipation had morphed into fear!

Picking up strength after Tonga, Winston developed into a massive Category 5 system that was frightening.

In its wake, it left flattened houses, uprooted trees, roof-less homes, flooding, frightened people, and death.

When we finally managed to assess the extent of the impact of Winston, 44 people had died across the nation.

Today as we reflect on this day in our history, we should embrace safety.

We have a cyclone season annually which means such natural disasters have not just popped out of the woodworks.

We learn from the impact of such disasters and prepare better.

We acknowledge the pain and suffering, and also embrace the resilience of Fijians in the face of disaster.

We reflect on community spirit and our ability to overcome major challenges.

We reflect on acts of kindness and the many heroic efforts at the height of the worst cyclone in our history. And we also reflect on the strength of our people. There are many lessons to learn and embrace. They should empower us, ensuring we are prepared for the worst.

We remember!