VICTIMS of the 2014 flash flooding who were relocated to the newly established April Valley in east Honiara took time last Sunday to remember their family members who lost their lives during the disaster.
The community commemorated the event through prayers and feasting.
“It’s the day that we cannot forget in our lives. On April 3rd we lost our children, fathers, mothers, sisters and all our properties,” chairman Michael Fa’abona said.
“Our coming here today (Sunday) is to remember those souls who lost their lives during this date, April 3rd.
“Let us remember their souls in prayer and pray that our Lord will not send such thing to happen to us again from now and onwards.”
The Vicar General of the Church of Melanesia Fr. Phillip Rongotha who was the guest speaker at the event told the surviving victims that God was always there to help them in times of trouble.
“I believe every one of us will not forget that day, but let us put our trust in God that their souls are there with the Almighty,” Vicar Rongotha said.
“I know that you have great faith in the Lord. So hold on to that faith until the day where we all shall see those we lost during the flooding.”
21 lives had been lost during the disaster.
“Disciples too have the same feeling during the killing of our Lord Jesus Christ, they were traumatized and locked in a room seeing that their leader has been killed on the Good Friday. However, on the third day, Jesus appeared to them and said peace be with you.
“Today let God’s peace be with us as we all come here to remember the souls lost during the day,” he added.
Community chairman, Michael Fa’abona said, they thanked God for what he had done for them despite the many challenges and the worst one in 2014 where they lost their properties and family members.
“I know this is worst and painful thing in our lives but thank God for his care and mercy upon us.”
He also thanked the government for the relocation especially the NCRA government.
The programme ended with the wreath laying ceremony where families, in tears layed wreaths on a memorial site being set up.
The family members took a minute of silence to remember their loved ones.
The programme was attended by councilor John Aruhane for Vavaya Ridge ward in central Honiara.
By LESLEY SANGA
