SEVERE Tropical Cyclone Winston has taught Pita Bele two major life lessons. And those are to be prepared at all times and to appreciate all the small things in life.
Pita, 56 was among the more than 20 villagers whose lives were badly affected by Severe TC Winston at his Naigani Island home in Tailevu last month.
He thought the strong, gusty winds brought by Severe TC Winston were going to be the last time for him to see his family again. However, the courageous action of his 70-year-old cousin Seru Bilitaki saved him and his family from what could have been a worse off fate, maybe even death.
Among those saved by Seru were Pita, his wife Vasiti and nephew Avorosa who had tried to escape the flying debris brought on by the strong winds.
The family was in their own home when the roof was blown away by the strong winds on the afternoon of February 20.
He did not really know what to do but in order to escape from the flying debris, ran with his family to their back yard. They ran to the breadfruit tree as they sought some sort of haven from the strong winds buffeting Naigani.
It was Seru’s idea that they seek shelter among the coconut trees because it was much safer. Throughout the one-hour ordeal, Seru directed the family on what they should do as they did their best in trying circumstances to avoid any injury, or worse.
Pita said his cousin, Seru at 70 years, was still able to ably lead the family and his experience assisted the family a lot in surviving Severe TC Winston.
Throughout his life, Pita said he had always taken things for granted. Severe TC Winston, he said, had changed his way of thinking and his way of life.
He said Seru had taught him a major lesson in bravery and to always learn to believe in himself so he could withstand any circumstance he came across in life.
