Villagers of Marou in Yasawa fear losing the remains of their loved ones from their burial ground to coastal inundation if rain continues in the coming days.
Village headman Tuwawa Ratu said the thought of losing these graveyards haunted the villagers these past days while others have been mourning the loss of their ready-to-harvest farms to flooding.
“The heavy rain went on for about five hours on Sunday night and we woke up to part of the village being washed away on Monday morning,” Mr Ratu said.
“I did my rounds to make sure villagers were safe, and those on nearby coastlines moved to a safer location.
“This is the first time that a flooding of this magnitude has happened.”
Mr Ratu said the villagers were worried about the continued impact the downpour would have on their properties and lives. He said the flooding worsened during high tide and a portion of the village had been washed away as a result.
“A few homes and the kindergarten classroom were on the verge of being swamped by floodwaters.
“I have submitted a report with the Ba Provincial Council regarding this latest devastation and, hopefully, there will be some assistance of basic food rations to last us a few weeks while we replant.
“A good number of farms have been washed away and sea water has seeped into them.”
Mr Ratu hopes some possible solutions could be drawn up to cater for the 61 villagers and prevent them from future climatic damage.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has advised members of the public to remain vigilant amid heavy rain.
A flood alert was also issued for the downstream of Nayavu Station in Wainibuka River, Naikurukuru Station and Rewa River.
A heavy rain alert is also in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, Viti Levu, Beqa, Vatulele, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti groups.
Members of the public have also been advised to refrain from crossing flooded rivers, streams, drains, roads and walkways. Mariners are also advised to remain cautious and adhere to advisories.
