Fiji Floods & Devastation

Firstly, we are safe, for which we thank our Lord. Fiji has been pelted for five days with heavy rains and devastating floods. The storms have wreaked havoc throughout the country. Many homes, villages and even major towns have been destroyed by these floods. Major businesses in the tourist town of Nadi (pronounced Nandi) have been totally wiped out. At least three large towns on our island and one large town on the northern island in Fiji have been flooded by as much as 6 feet of water in every shop.

Devastation of infrastructure and roads have been surreal. Landslides have taken the lives of at least 2 teenage girls when they were buried alive. Nine other young people have lost their lives by raging rivers and flooding. Our roads are now filled with deep craters which will not soon be repaired. Gardens and fresh vegetables, if any, will now come at a premium. There continues to be widespread devastation. Heavy rains continue to fall and more is forecast in the coming days. The third "low depression" is on its way.

We've been blessed to have electricity and a water supply during these days. However, this picture shows what our pure white water filter looks like after only a week of filtration use. This is how it looked before the storms came! It is any wonder that Becky spends hours filtering and boiling our drinking supply?

We have seen that many people, mostly young people and children, are ignoring the warnings of police and government authorities and continue to play in floodwaters despite the potential danger. They're treating the floodwaters as a time of festivity! This is why several young people in their early 20's have needlessly lost their lives. So sad!

Pray that we will know how to be a blessing to those around us who have lost most everything they've owned.