Families flee homes in fear of storm surges

FAMILIES fled their homes in fear on Thursday evening last week as storm surges whipped up by super storm Yasa entered homes on Yaro Village, Kia, off Macuata.

Describing the “night of terror”, Kia Island nursing station personnel Losana Yanuyanulala said it was like “being caught between the devil and deep blue sea”.

The 32-year-old Namuka, Macuata woman said she was terrified when the walls of her quarters were blown away and waist-deep sea water surged into the front of her home.

“I cried because I had to wade through the water and fight the blinding rain and strong winds with my two children to get to the next secure home,” she said.

“Together with my husband, we decided to move because we feared things could get worse.”

Another villager, Emosi Raitawa, said he was forced to flee for his life after water swept into his home.

“As we speak, half of my belongings are out there in the ocean taken by surge waters,” the 58-year-old said.

“Whatever was left of my home was blown away by destructive winds from STC Yasa as it tore through the village around 8pm when winds were at their worst. We consider ourselves fortunate that no life was taken away and we thank God for that.”

Close to 12 homes in the village were affected by storm surges.