Of coconuts and the kindness of relatives: Rebecca’s story of survival

Baby Rebecca was sleeping when flood waters swept through her village in Guadalcanal Plains on April 3.

It had been raining heavily that day so her mother, 28 year old Margaret Junia, was prepared to evacuate the family. “When we were told at night that the water is rising, I quickly grabbed my little daughter Rebecca from her bed and rushed out of our house to a place where I thought would be safe for us,” said Margaret.

Rebecca and Margaret’s house was directly in the path of the flood as the raging torrent charged towards the sea. In total, 11 houses were destroyed in Suaghi village, including Margaret and Rebecca’s. Luckily, the family escaped in time. Remnants of destroyed houses still lay strewn about the community. “We are sad that we lost our house but there is nothing we can do,” said Margaret.

In the aftermath of floods and other natural disasters, children are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections. “Rebecca got sick because she felt cold. I took her to a nearby clinic where she was given treatment for five days. She is recovering well,” said Margaret. 

Rebecca has a sweet, shy smile that lights up her face. “I’m happy I don’t have to worry about her health now so I can have time to do other things to help us get going,” said Margaret.

Piles of mud were left by the flood, spread across the family’s gardens, a main source of food supply and income. “Because our food gardens were buried and some washed away, we had to find other ways to get food. We sometimes eat coconuts,” said Margaret. Kind relatives from other communities have also provided the family with kumara, cassava and banana.

Thankfully no-one lost their life in Suaghi village, but domesticated animals like pigs and chickens and their pens were washed out to sea.

The water source in the community has also been badly affected. “Our dugout well was buried by the flood, so we had to dig a temporary one that the whole village used for drinking, cooking and washing. But it’s a bit unclean and salty because it’s close to the sea, but what choice did we have?” said Margaret.

Eight-month-old Rebecca was living on coconut water until clean drinking water reached her community as part of World Vision’s flood response.

World Vision, in partnership with other agencies, has delivered over 76,000 litres of clean drinking water in Honiara and Guadalcanal Plains since the floods. Family kits, including items such as soap, mosquito nets, kitchen utensils, cooking pots and sleeping mats have been delivered to families who have lost possessions. People whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged have benefitted from shelter kits which include, amongst other items, a shovel, axe, crowbar, tarpaulin, hammer and nails.

“We are working as quickly as we can, with partners, to provide relief to those who need it most,” said Dr Andrew Catford, World Vision Solomon Islands Country Director.

“We are so happy to see that help has reached us. Water has been a big problem since the flood. We wish to thank those that have the heart for us,” said Margaret.