Parts of Fiji that had suffered flooding in January are again submerged.
Is it Nature’s wrath or Nature’s tears?
Whatever it is, Fiji has had enough!
The fury of the floods sent thousands to the evacuation centers in the flood-stricken areas and fifteen deaths were reported as we went to printers.
Businesses in Ba and Nadi towns were recuperating from the January floods and the recent deluge, bigger and more devastating, may be the final stroke that will see many businesses simply fold in these towns.
For thousands of victims, the pain is deep and suffering unbearable.
Fiji has gained prominence throughout the world but for wrong reasons.
Every year, hurricanes, cyclones and floods wreak havoc and if the country escapes such catastrophe, the tempest of Fiji politics gains attention.
Is there a spiritual dimension to these occurrences?
Opinion will be divided but it cannot be ignored that other island nations almost always escape Nature’s fury but not Fiji. Importantly, whether it is Nature’s fury or political upheaval, the real victims are ordinary people. Most are poor and such devastation makes them weaker and more vulnerable.
Resilient Fijians
However, few appreciate the resilience and tenacity of Fijians at such times that bring out the best in them. They would wade through the floodwaters, stand next to their lost homes and possessions but such disaster would not drain their courage to restore their lives once it has passed.
The restoration process always begins without waiting for government or external assistance when friends and family members begin the task.
Within weeks, the physical signs of the devastation are erased.
However, provision of food and other basic needs for families often create financial stresses and strains, as the tempest of poverty intensifies.
Indeed, cruelty of poverty is only known to those who have lived it and many of us compatriots living overseas are known for our attributes of kindness, compassion and generosity.
We can relate to the problems and difficulties that the people of Fiji are going through and contribute generously to alleviate the pain and suffering of the victims. We know what it feels like when you leave your home that is flooded and spend time at the evacuation centers.
Accompanying sorrow
You are surrounded by sadness and sorrow that evoke despair, depression and desperation.
The shelter is temporary; you are safe but your heart and mind are fixed on the home that you have left behind. You know that when you return, the flood would have ruined your possessions, there will be no food that you can cook; yet there are children to be fed.
You cannot go to your neighbour because his or situation would be no different.
The circumstances are heartbreaking but you have a duty and responsibility to your family that calls for courage and sacrifice.
It may be raining and conditions unfavourable, but you set yourself out on that journey to seek food and provisions for your family. The place where such provisions are being distributed is too far but people would not mind.
It is life or death situation and when you reach there, the pre-packed provisions from former citizens of Fiji now living abroad are given to you.
Hope returns
Your heart leaps and misses a few beats, as you hastily return to an expectant and hungry family, their eyes light up with hope. With this small help, a journey of restoration and rehabilitation begins with hope but recurrence of such disasters in the following year or even a few months later cannot be discounted.
Such is life for many people in Fiji and we salute their courage, fortitude and perseverance.
We also express our gratitude to those who regularly support them in their time of need and suffering. The real joy of living multiplies immeasurably when it brings joy in the lives of those whose lives are soaked in tears.
Thousands of former Fiji citizens now live in various parts of the world.
In these times of suffering, sorrow and grief, we share the pain of our people in Fiji. Live images of flooded areas, submerged buildings and distraught people ravage our hearts and evoke painful memories. We not only open our hearts but also our wallets and generously contribute to alleviate the suffering of the victims.
