Tornado victim remembered as devoted family man from Fiji
The man killed by a tornado in south Auckland has been remembered as a devoted husband and father who worked tirelessly to support his family back in Fiji.
Janesh Prasad died while working on Saturday at the South Auckland Freight Hub in Wiri after he was picked up by a tornado. He worked as a diesel mechanic for Stellar Machinery and was repairing equipment when the tragedy struck.
Family, friends and colleagues were arriving yesterday at a friend’s home in Mt Roskill as they prepare to farewell Prasad.
His close friend Vishal Kumar, who grew up in Fiji with Prasad and also immigrated to New Zealand, told Stuff that family and friends were reeling after the shock death.
‘‘We are like brothers,’’ Kumar said. ‘‘I’m just gutted.’’
Originally from Labasa in Fiji, Prasad, who was in his mid-40s, immigrated to New Zealand for a better life, Kumar said.
He leaves behind his wife, Mala Archana Devi, and children Ashley, 13, and Jesh, 10.
‘‘They don’t have anyone here. He was the best father, best husband. Always happy.’’
Kumar said he would remember his friend’s broad smile and generous spirit. ‘‘He always had something for someone else.’’
A Givealittle page has been set up to help the family.
Two other people were injured when the tornado struck the inland container terminal. Police inquiries continue. A massive clean-up is under way in Papatoetoe after broken trees, tumbled chimneys and fractured roofs were left strewn around the streets. Hundreds of homes were damaged.
Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi announced yesterday the Government would give $100,000 to a
Mayoral Relief Fund to support communities impacted by the tornado. ‘‘My heart goes out to the family and friends who have lost a loved one, and to those who have been injured,’’ Faafoi said.
‘‘I know this been a distressing weekend for people in Auckland, with many lives disrupted, and many homes and businesses damaged.’’ Faafoi said.
‘‘While it’s too early to know the full cost of the damage, this initial contribution will help those communities start to get back on their feet.
Auckland Council is contributing a similar amount to the fund.
Auckland mayor Phil Goff expects the cost of repairing the
damage from the tornado to be ‘‘tens of millions of dollars’’.
Goff said there was no exact cost for the damage the tornado cost, but it was expected to be ‘‘tens of millions of dollars’’.
Civil Defence and Fire and Emergency Services (FENZ) are leading the work in Papatoetoe, working with Auckland Emergency Management to provide assistance, a FENZ spokesperson said yesterday.
Rescue teams would assess damage throughout the day.
The tornado, which struck about 8am, ripped roofs from homes, downed power lines, smashed business premises, and left debris scattered across roads and gardens, while killing Prasad and injuring at least two others at Ports of Auckland’s South Auckland Freight Hub.
Goff on Saturday night estimated more than 60 homes were left uninhabitable.
Approximately 1200 properties were affected by the tornado.
As of yesterday morning, Auckland Emergency Management’s latest update from Vector indicated that 200 homes in the affected areas were still without power. Vector spokeswoman Sophie Coley said crews were still working on restoring power to the households impacted and expected to be finished by 7pm last night.