A family in Tavua Town, who tragically lost everything in a fire during Diwali, is seeking assistance to rebuild their lives and buy books for their daughter, who is currently studying for her MBBS exams.
Jikash Prasad, the nephew of the occupants, says the property consisted of two separate flats divided by a passage; one had three bedrooms, while the other had four.
He says the fire allegedly started at a pooja area on Diwali morning, where a diya may have been tipped over by rats, despite the family taking all necessary precautions to keep the diya surroundings safe from fire.
Prasad says the fire crew was called when his cousins saw smoke coming from a bedroom window, and one of his cousins had to go to the fire station to bring the crew to the scene.
Prasad adds his cousin, who is pursuing MBBS studies and preparing for exams, has lost her study materials and electronic devices, adding to the family’s hardship.
The distraught man says the stress of this loss, combined with her academic pressure, has made an already difficult situation even more challenging.
He mentions that the family is currently living with the youngest brother.
Prasad estimates the cost of damages to be as high as $250,000, including jewellery and appliances.
He says they need assistance to rebuild the family home, replace lost belongings, clothing, and essentials, and to provide the necessary study materials to allow his cousin to continue her education without interruption.
If you would like to assist the family, you can make a donation to the M-PAiSA number 2090175 or through this Givealittle page: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/rebuild-our-family-home-lost-in-fire.
