Desmond Dass faced an unexpected disaster that has drawn attention in Fiji after a waterspout damaged his property in Korolevu, Nadroga. This incident, which occurred last Friday, resulted in significant destruction, including damage to the roof of his home, estimated to be worth over $50,000.
In an interview, Mr. Dass recounted his experience, noting that this was the first time he had ever encountered a natural disaster of this magnitude affecting his property. He described seeing three waterspouts out at sea, with the second one making its way toward their home around 10:45 AM, ultimately causing the damage.
He vividly recalled the sight of the approaching waterspout. “It looked like boiling water with bubbles sucked into the air,” he explained. Although his family is accustomed to dealing with tidal waves and other natural disasters, Mr. Dass emphasized that the sudden nature of this event was an unsettling experience for them.
“People refer to it as a waterspout, but to me, what happened yesterday was more like a tornado. We have witnessed many waterspouts crossing the ocean, but this one was a combination of a waterspout and tornado,” he said, reflecting on the destructive path that uprooted debris between coconut trees.
The alert from his nephew was crucial, allowing them to prepare for the approaching disaster. “They started banging the tins and making sounds, which helped us avoid the third and bigger waterspout that eventually passed by,” he mentioned.
In the aftermath of the storm, Mr. Dass expressed gratitude for the support from the local community and friends who have come together to help. They have donated tin roofs to aid in the rebuilding process of his home. Those looking to assist Mr. Dass in his recovery can reach him at 9785207, showing the power of community solidarity in times of need.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns and the importance of community support during challenging times.