SEVEN families who live at Nawasiga settlement in Bila just outside Nadi, have taken refuge at Standard Concrete Industries Ltd and Namaka Public School.

On Wednesday, some were still trying to salvage their belongings when a team from this newspaper arrived at the settlement situated right on the bank of the swollen Nadi River.

“There are seven families who reside here and we all moved to evacuation centres on Monday,” said Maria Lewatu, who came to check on her home.

“It was already underwater.

“I live with my brother and mother so I’m glad that at least mom was taken to Namaka Public before floodwaters entered our house.

“She’s over 50 years old and it would have been difficult for her if she was still here.”