Cyclone Winston, a force 5 cyclone devastated much of the Fiji Islands on February 20, 2016. Of the less than one million inhabitants 62,000 people are still in evacuation centers nationwide and up to 200,000 are living with relatives or under a few sheets of galvanized iron while trying to clean up and rebuild their damaged homes. At least 117 schools have been damaged and the subsistence food crops that most rural Fijians depend on have been destroyed in the affected areas.
The villagers of Qelekuro mourn Sera Tinai, who was pinned to the ground by her collapsed house after taking her children to safety. The nearby river burst its banks and a tidal wave hit the village at the same time drowning Sera in her own home as she lay trapped by one of the house beams. Husband Patemosi wept as he said, “our nine children no longer have a mother. My best friend and soul mate is gone. She was so full of life and joy and always concerned with the needs of others. At functions in the village she would make us laugh with her stories and jokes. She is now gone!” This kind of story is repeated in many villages in Fiji because the cyclone claimed the lives of at least 43 people.
The most immediate needs are for food, clothing and shelter of people of all religions in the twelve parishes most affected. People in Fiji are responding generously to parish collections for the victims and many have donated money, clothes and other needed equipment. However the extent of the disaster and the limited means of people in Fiji mean that help is needed from brothers and sisters overseas.
Please consider a donation to help your Fijian brothers and sisters in Christ during this difficult time.
Columban Fr. Frank Hoare lives and works in Fiji.