My village is under water.
Let me explain my new year so far. Right after Mike left I came to Suva to have some medical tests run. I had an ultrasound to make sure my digestive system was working properly even though it's not working properly. All my organs are healthy and "functioning". I had a dermatologist's appt. to check out some sketchy moles. No melanoma yet. And an optometric visit which I came out of with a diagnosis of "eye infection in both eyes, use this ointment in both eyes every night right before bed for 2 weeks." Mild concerns by PC standards. Luckily I was here in Suva while the Tropical Depression hit because otherwise I would be stuck in my village.
There is major flooding all over Fiji. The 2 main highways are submerged and have no traffic, some bridges have collapsed, towns are flooded as high as the parking meters, and most big cities have declared curfews for the residences.
My village lies at the mouth of a river and is so low that the tides sometimes affect the bus routes. When high tide comes after a big rain, the road floods. Heavy rains = no good for my area. Concerning my house...My host mom called to tell me reluctantly that "Emi, oh.....Emi......ah.....Na koro sa luvu" translation "the village drowned" and with the village went my house. So, in what I imagine to be a ridiculous caper, my family members broke my windows to unlock the door in a rescue attempt. They managed to rescue my possessions before the floor of the house was submerged in the rising waters. My clothes and books were consolidated to the top bunk of the bunk beds and my food was taken to the chief's house. (Please save some little debbie snack cakes for me!) Today the family's plan was to "clean out the mud" in the house. Unfortunately, their efforts may be in vain because Fiji anticipates another big storm on the 14th.
I'm worried about the other houses in the village and what everyone is doing during this crisis. I have no real information now, but hopefully I will have good news for you all soon.
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2 comments:
I think the title should read "Oi Lei Tamaqu".
Loosely translated Oh My God/Father. An idiom, meaning a display of shock or surprise.
Fijian language (Bauan dialect) has some possessive nouns.
Tamana is their father.
Tamaqu is my father.
You don't know me...I hope you are okay. We were there for 10 days for the first round of rain and floods. We managed to get a flight out of Nadi on the 14th just before midnight. The winds were starting to howl ahead of the next storm. I feel so bad for the people of Fiji. They extended the hand of friendship to us at every possible moment. As we left our cushy resort to try for the airport we received hugs and well wishes at every turn. Many blessings to them and to you...
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