A pastor in Dreketi Village on Qamea Island has lamented the loss of his flock’s church which succumbed to the impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa.
Pastor Eroni Tuitavua said seven families were sheltering at the Garden Island Apostle Fellowship International Church when strong winds started to rattle the building.
“I saw that the winds were too strong and fearing that the building might collapse on us, decided to evacuate the people,” Mr Tuitavua said.
He said since the church was the only evacuation centre in the village, people decided to return to their own homes to seek shelter.
“By 1am, the winds had ripped apart the church and it was painful to witness because I was there when the church was opened in 2013 and it survived cyclone Winston but it was no match for cyclone Yasa.”
Mr Tuitavua said this was the strongest cyclone he had ever encountered and it left villagers fearing for their lives.
No injuries were recorded in Dreketi Village but three homes were partially damaged while most dwellings had their roofs unhinged by STC Yasa.
