3913_Cyclone ‘Winston’, Fiji

3913_Cyclone ‘Winston’, Fiji

February 23, 2016

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.