FOUR-YEAR-OLD Vive Winston Marama of Qelekuro Village in Tailevu is still curious about her mother’s whereabouts three years after Tropical Cyclone Winston struck Fiji killing more than 40 people and leaving thousands homeless.
Vive’s mother, Sera Tinai, was among those killed by the monster cyclone on February 20, 2016. Vive is the youngest of nine siblings and is now under her aunt’s care.
Timaima Marama, 34, said she would try to find the right words to explain to her nieces and nephews the tragic events that led to her sister-in-law’s death.
“It’s been hard for the children, especially Vive because she was still a baby when her mother died and we have added Winston to her name in remembrance of her late mother.
“She was breastfeeding Vive when she died and until now, they get scared during bad weather when there is heavy rain or strong winds,” she said.
Despite all the challenges, Ms Marama said her nieces and nephews were resilient.
“I really admire their courage and they are doing well in school. Even though it might be a loss to them but they aren’t letting that drag them down,” she said