Refuge in suitcases
CHILDREN were packed into suitcases and tucked away under beds as super storm Yasa smashed into Yaro Village, Kia on Thursday afternoon.
Reliving the horror of the Category 5 storm, mothers described the experience as “a night of terror”. They said they fought hypothermia from being exposed to the cold and wet for hours and did everything they could to ensure their babies were kept warm and safe.
PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimarama assured one of the villages worst hit by super storm Yasa that Government and the Bua Provincial Council would assist them to build houses on higher ground.
Of the 37 houses that once stood in Cogea Village, Bua, only five remain habitable.
Eighteen were washed into the sea by storm surges and the remainder are partially damaged or uninhabitable because of debris and sludge.
The PM visited the villagers yesterday with military officers who delivered packs of food rations.
While there, villagers informed Mr Bainimarama that a piece of land in an elevated area had been given to them to build houses.
The villagers said the new site would be given to the youths to build their houses and start their families.
The villagers said in 1980, a similar storm surge in this village had caused widespread destruction and those who had witnessed the event had pleaded with the younger generation to build their houses on higher ground.
Mr Bainimarama told the villagers not to build any more new homes at the present site.
He advised them to consult the Bua Provincial Council officials for the development of homes at the new site.