NAGADO Village in the highlands of Nadi is silently suffering the brunt of Tropical Cyclone Evan that battered the country last month.
A total of 25 houses in the village were completely destroyed while 43 more homes were partly damaged by the disaster.
Village headman Peniasi Dakuwaqa said the affected villagers were trying hard to rehabilitate themselves rather than waiting for government assistance.
Mr Dakuwaqa said all were affected by the cyclone but he was more concerned about those whose homes were totally destroyed.
"This is one of the worst natural disasters to ever hit our village," he said.
"Luckily, the cyclone came during day time otherwise lives could have been lost.
"After the cyclone, we have been cleaning the village while those whose houses were damaged are rebuilding their homes.
"Villagers have been urged to rehabilitate themselves rather than waiting for the government's assistance.
"Those whose homes were totally destroyed are now sheltering with their fellow villagers and at the same time they have started rebuilding their lives and homes."
Mr Dakuwaqa said a report had been given to the government and they were waiting for a response.
Disaster Management Committee director Manasa Tagicakibau said 20 teams from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces had been deployed to assist the Ministry of Works in the rehabilitation of homes and schools.
Mr Tagicakibau said all affected families would be assisted with priority placed on school repairs.