Residents of Balenakula settlement in Sabeto are picking up the pieces today after heavy downpours triggered flash flooding, submerging homes and wiping out food sources.
While the area was spared the brunt of destructive winds, the sheer volume of rain turned the settlement into a catchment zone, leaving approximately 70 people grappling with rising water levels.
Balenakula resident Kelevi Ma’afu confirmed that the deluge began in earnest yesterday morning, catching many by surprise.
“The flood waters came in around 8am, people can’t move out because of their belongings,” he said.
Mr Ma’afu said the damage to property and local food security was significant and 20 houses in the settlement were flooded.
“Luckily the wind didn’t do much damage, there was just a lot of flooding due to the heavy downpour.”
Mr Ma’afu said several farms in the area were unable to withstand the rising water levels.
“A few plantations were destroyed, especially the cassava and dalo plantations.”
While most residents have remained in their homes to guard their possessions, the community is prepared to move should the weather take a turn for the worse.
“If we do move out, mostly we will go to the schools in Sabeto Village.”
