3913_Cyclone ‘Winston’, Fiji

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Example of the Damage to Housing

By Fr. Bernie Graham, SDB

Suva, Fiji - On Saturday 20 February 2016, one of the strongest and most devastating Cyclones ever in the Pacific tore through parts of the Fiji Islands. At least 29 people have lost their lives and hundreds of homes in many villages have been totally destroyed. Much of the infrastructure (power, water, communications, roads, schools and hospitals etc.) in the worst hit areas has also been damaged or destroyed. The heavy rains continue which both worsens the existing problems and slows down the recovery process.

Fr Taisali Leuluai, Rector of the one Salesian Community in Fiji, reported that the epicenter of the cyclone was in the northern part of the nation, and the Salesian community is safe and all the buildings are intact. However, some of the housing and other buildings in their area have been damaged. All schools have been closed for the time being.

Let us continue to pray for the nation of Fiji and its people in this time of crisis.

Visit of the Rector Major to Fiji, May 2015.

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vaclav 2016.02.25 21:30

UPDATE - February 25

by Fr. James K. Hoe, SDB - Suva, Fiji - vicerector

Just half an hour ago electricity was restored in our area since Tropical Cyclone struck the Fiji islands on Saturday (20 February).

In the early afternoon of 20 February, the winds began to intensify. By sunset it was terrifying to see the winds and rain bend huge trees, snap branches, rip roofs from buildings, tear through vegetation and dwellings. Since the low depression developed into a cyclone about two weeks ago, Tropical Cyclone Winston showed it had a mind of its own, like no known cyclone. It moved south between Fiji and Vanuatu as a category 3 cyclone and headed towards New Zealand. Winston then made a sudden u-turn and started to move towards Fiji, then changed direction and hit the Kingdom of Tonga. It passed Tonga, and decided to make another u-turn, hit Tonga again… and made for a direct hit on Fiji. Meanwhile, Winston had now become a category 5 cyclone and Nausori and Suva were in its path, close to the eye. Then another change of direction when it made landfall and struck the east and northern parts of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levi. The destruction in these remote parts of Fiji was merciless. So far 42 reported dead, and many villages are wiped out leaving survivors utterly devastated. Suva had some damage but it cannot be compared to the wrath Cyclone Winston unleashed in other parts of Fiji. One of our close friends described Cyclone Winston as “the most un-behaved cyclone.”

At Don Bosco we lost a few trees, and debris littered everywhere. When the cyclone abated on Sunday morning, the confreres walked to the surrounding areas visiting families of our Sunday School students, supporters and friends of the Salesians. Even though Suva was without power since the cyclone struck on 20 Feb, we still had class at the seminary. Meanwhile, we intend to visit badly hit areas and see how we can assist the people to rebuild their lives and homes. Thanks to you and the many confreres for your prayers and concern for the people of Fiji. God bless

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vaclav 2016.02.29 07:40 FilesAttachment (1)
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Pope Francis today prayed for those who lost their lives or livelihoods in Fiji when Cyclone Winston hit last week.

The cyclone was the strongest to hit the islands in recorded history and the second strongest to be recorded anywhere in the world.

More than 40 people were killed, and tens of thousands were left homeless.

“I also wish to assure my closeness to the peoples of the Fiji Islands, harshly lashed by a devastating cyclone,” the Pope said today after praying the midday Angelus with those in St. Peter’s Square. “I pray for the victims and for those who are committed to the relief operations.”

On ZENIT’s Web page:

Full text: https://zenit.org/articles/angelus-text-its-never-too-late-to-convert/

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