The aftermath.

Thankfully, sunshine has returned to Viti Levu and floodwaters have receded. The western division towns of Sigatoka, Nadi and Ba remain under 6pm - 6am curfew, however, as businesses struggle to clean up and re-open. As noted in a previous post, all of the crops on Nana's farm have been destroyed. His house, along with Dev mama's, was swamped with up to 4 feet of muddy water. Randhis bhai's home 100 metres away was completely inundated. He, his lovely wife Sangita bhabi and their 2 beautiful children have to rebuild their lives from scratch. Can anyone reading this imagine themselves in that situation?

For perspective, here are photos taken by me before the devastating flood of 2009.The land that Nana and his sons have farmed for over 50 years is nestled in this bend of the Sigatoka River. Nana's compound can be seen far left.
Nana's compound. Randhis bhai's home is to the left. The hill overlooking the compound is where Nana hopes to build a home someday.
Sangita bhabi and Randhis bhai in their kitchen during a pooja.
The Sigatoka River as it runs south of Nana's farm. The 'old bridge' that this flood washed away was approximately 5 kms downstream.
Nana, cane knife in hand, waits for rains to end.