Cyclone Tomas Hits - Vanua Levu and Taveuni
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Issue_19March_for PDF_Layout 1 3/18/2010 12:28 AM Page 1 March 19, 2010 Vol.1 : Issue 3 Cyclone Tomas Hits - Vanua Levu And Taveuni Special report by Fijian Herald Reporters Peni S. Toracakabau -Lautoka Bureau, Destruction And Damage But Only One Person Dead Jensen Koravai – Suva Bureau Shaquil Khan – Labasa Bureau. Edited by Veeno Dewan. country, according to the weather fore- cast, we were supposed to be hit but the he trail of destruction left by weather conditions did change some- tropical Cyclone Tomas a cate- what”. Fiji had been on cyclone alert Tgory four hurricanes that struck since the week and Western Division Fiji this week was intense and powerful, Commander Cawaki told THE FIJI but mercifully took only one life of HERALD "We were very lucky this women who died trying to save family time. We had the whole of Fiji was members. The western side of Viti Levu under a cyclone warning and my depart- escaped the brunt of the Tomas, which ment and emergency teams were antici- had at its peak, wind speed of up to 220 pating the worst.” km per hour, but Vanua Levu from Tave- The Fiji authorities had not taken uni up to Cikobia took major hits forcing any chances however and 1738 people villagers to escape to higher ground with in the Western division did seek shelter major damage to some villages and in the 40 evacuation centers in the divi- plantations. A number of houses, build- sion. ing and plantations sustained major were Around 900 adults and 700 children destroyed and suffered major damage in took up refuge in evacuation centers in a number of villages and on the coats Nadroga, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua and and outlying Islands. The Western Divi- Rakiraki. sion was spared the wrath of Cyclone Tomas. Although some parts of the Tourist Center Go Unscathed mainland and outlying Islands country Peni S. Toracakabau- Lautoka hit by high winds. Reports also say guests in holiday in Director of Meteorology, Rajendra resorts in the northeastern region es- caped the main force of Hurricane Prasad confirmed, “most parts of the A Fijian child walks past damage caused by Cyclone Tomas Tomas, although some resorts and hotels warnings were lifted. suffered damage. Speaking to the FIJI Government’s Response HERALD Tourism Fiji chief executive Josefa Tuamoto said the country's - By Jensen Koravai In Suva tourism hot spots in Viti Levu, the Ma- Head of government Commodore manucas and Yasawa Islands, were Voreqe Bainimarama said in a statement under Hurricane warnings, but were on Wednesday that the restoration of fully operational and escaped the hurri- schools and medical facilities in the cane and the vital inter-island ferry com- most badly hit areas would be the prior- panies in the Mamanucas and Yasawa ity of the Government. Islands, including South Sea Cruises, "The Fiji "Government's first prior- Captain Cook Cruises and Blue Lagoon, ity at this stage is to carry out an assess- had resumed operations once wind Continued on page 3 Issue_19March_for PDF_Layout 1 3/18/2010 12:29 AM Page 23 COMMUNITY PAGES The Search For Meaning Ram Navami - Hindus Across streets, keeping his eyes open for an- The World Celebrate swers and direction; however, he is constantly haunted by the voice of his by Remika Sharma inner conscience, a voice that has taken on a life and personality of its The birth anniversary of Lord Rama own, one that continually tries to steer is celebrated in the month of Chaitra, Cirrus back to the safe life of routine which usually falls in March or April ac- and monotony, a meaningless exis- cording to the Hindu calendar is known tence. as Ramnavami. Ramnavami is dedicated As he walks the city streets among to the memory of Lord Rama. It occurs the homeless and wrestles with the on the ninth day (navami). The festival ghosts of his past, Cirrus is forced to commemorates the birth of Rama who see the beauty that is all around him is remembered for his prosperous and and reflect on his life in search of the righteous reign. Ramrajya (the reign of doorway to his redemption and the Rama) has become synonymous with a meaning that will finally bring him period of peace and prosperity. It is cel- peace of mind and happiness. Mean- ebrated with great devotion across the Debut Author Follows Homeless nation and every region has its own re- Man Embarking on Life-Changing while, Raymond and Emily Porter, two individuals who have achieved all the gional significance behind the celebra- Mission in a New, Inspirational Novel success in the world, drive across tion. The public worship starts with country to start a new life. LitSnew morning ablutions, chanting Vedic Ron Prasad, who lives and writes family know that they will unwittingly mantras dedicated to Vishnu, and offer- public gatherings and satsangs. Most in Vancouver, British Columbia, intro- collide with Cirrus, instigating a chain ing flowers and fruit to the god. People people fast until midnight. They break duces his newest novel to his beloved of events that will provide clarity for keep a fast throughout the day, breaking their fast with a prasad of fruits and city. He is the son of Cindy and (the both sets of it only at midnight with fruit. milk. late) Reggie Prasad, who immigrated characters in One significant and popular element to Canada from Fiji in 1975, from Significance in India the end. of the celebration is the Ramayana Nausori and Suva respectively. In some parts of India, especially Although parayana, a discourse on the Ramayana, Paradox and Rebirth is his first Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, public gather- dark at times, by a pundit or a professional story-teller. published novel. ings called satsangs are organised to Prasad’s Para- commemorate the birth of Rama. The It usually lasts nine days, beginning on About the Book dox and Re- pilgrims flock the temples of Ayodhya Ugadi and ending on Rama Navami. A In his uplifting and inspirational birth provides in Uttar Pradesh, where Rama was born skilled story-teller who can liven up the book, Paradox and Rebirth: debut au- readers in and Pondicherry to participate in Ram- event by weaving in contemporary thor Ron Prasad reveals how we can search of navami festivities. Excerpts from the events attracts massive crowds. The all find salvation and redemption by meaning with main significance behind the celebration Author: Ron Prasad Ramacharitamanas are recited on the oc- simply providing a helping hand and the hope that casion. Rama Leela (the play depicting of this festival is that the character of searching for the moments that define the future holds a brighter tomorrow, the major life events of Rama) are or- Lord Ram signifies an ideal son, an up- our characters. one where we can appreciate the lives ganized in different parts of the country. right husband, a righteous King, and a One man overcome with depres- we have and conquer depression even The highlights of the festival are these loving brother and even an ideal man, sion finally decides to help those in the face of illness and mounting de- Ram Leela and colorful processions someone who follow the right path around him and at least try to make a pression. with brilliant floats of Rama, His con- against all odds in life. He was also the lasting contribution with his life. How Interested readers and media pro- sort Sita, brother Lakshmana and the true embodiment of humanity. does one seek salvation from a life that fessionals can visit www.ronprasad. great devotee and monkey-general A Celebration of Goodness has no meaning? com for more information. Hanuman, which are taken out in the So celebration of Ramnavami is After he sells all his worldly pos- Books are now available to order streets of different states. People visit sa- some way special reminder of all the sessions, Cirrus Jacobs packs a single online from: chaptersindigo.ca, barne- cred places associated with Lord Ram noble deeds or ideals for which Lord bag, sets out into the Vancouver sandnoble.com and amazon.ca; during this holy time. Places like Ayod- Ram symbolizes. So if we see it in true streets, and begins to live as a home- Place an order at your favorite hya, Ujjain and Rameshwaram, attracts sense it is not only a festival to enjoy less man. Although his final destina- bookstore now! thousands of devotees. and have fun there are lot more things to tion is unknown, he walks the city FijiAN HERAlD be learnt. It is a celebration of goodness Significance of Ram Navami and its victory against all evils. Sacred The festival of Ram Navami marks places associated with Rama, like Ayo- the birthday celebrations of the Hindu dhya, Ujjain and Rameshwaram, draw God Rama , who is considered to be one tens of thousands of devotees. In of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Ac- Rameshwaram, thousands take a ritual cording to the Hindu calendar, it falls on bath in the sea before worshipping at the the ninth day of the Chaitra month, Ramanathaswamy temple. Many places which is the Spring season. In some in North India host fairs in connection parts of India, it is celebrated as a nine- with the festival, culminating in spectac- day festival that coincides with Vasanta ular fireworks on Rama Navami. Navratri, dedicated to the female force Lord Ram is said to have taken birth better known as Durga or Shakti. on this earth in human form to obliterate Though Rama Navami is a major festi- the evil forces from here.