Desmond Dass experienced a frightening disaster in Fiji when a waterspout wreaked havoc on his property in Korolevu, Nadroga. The incident, which took place last Friday, resulted in extensive damage, including the destruction of the roof of his home, with repairs estimated to cost over $50,000.
In a recount of the event, Mr. Dass described it as his first encounter with a natural disaster of this severity. He spotted three waterspouts out at sea, with the second one approaching their home around 10:45 AM, leading to the significant damage.
“The sight was alarming,” he noted, recalling how the waterspout appeared as “boiling water with bubbles sucked into the air.” Although his family has experienced tidal waves and various natural disasters, Mr. Dass explained that the suddenness of this event was particularly unsettling.
He drew a comparison to a tornado, stating, “People call it a waterspout, but what we confronted was more like a tornado. We’ve seen many waterspouts before, but this demonstrated characteristics of both a waterspout and a tornado,” as debris was uprooted among the coconut trees.
Crucially, his nephew’s alert helped the family prepare for the disaster. “They were banging on tins and making noise, which let us evade the larger waterspout that eventually passed us by,” he shared.
Following the storm’s devastation, Mr. Dass expressed heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming support from his local community and friends, who have rallied to assist in the rebuilding efforts. Many have generously donated tin roofs to aid in restoring his home. For those wishing to support Mr. Dass during this challenging period, he can be reached at 9785207. This event highlights not only the unpredictability of weather patterns but also the strength of community spirit in times of crisis.