As super storm Yasa smashed into Natibitibi, Cakaudrove, on Thursday night, Aisake Miller held on to the trunk of a mango tree and prayed he would live to see his wife and daughters again.
After evacuating his family to a relative’s house on Thursday afternoon, he returned home to collect some items.
“While I was at home, the winds started ramping up so I hurried but before I stepped out, the roof flew off just as if someone pulled it out,” he said.
“Roofing iron was flying around from house to house and I had to dodge a few times while running towards the road.
“The best option for me was to run to a nearby mango tree because I knew it would protect me from the flying objects. He said when he got to the mango tree, he held on to it and later leaned on it so it could protect him. Mr Miller said the trunk was his shelter from 6pm to 10pm.
“I’ve never experienced such a terrifying night and I have gone through cyclones in Nadi but this one was very scary.”
