16 Apr 2004

Fiji man saved in floods by clinging to temple dome

12:55 pm on 16 April 2004

A report from Fiji says a villager swept away by flood waters in the Navua River yesterday was saved after he clung to the dome of a Hindu temple.

Jo Gavidi has told the Fiji Sun newspaper that he and three other villagers were walking when a wall of water burst from the banks of the Navua River and knocked them down.

Mr Gavidi says they were swept away by the torrent but he managed to cling to a drum as it headed out to sea.

He says he then saw the dome of Vuanadina Hindu temple which was the only thing visible above the water ahead of him. and managed to make his way there.

Mr Gavidi says he clung to the dome for six hours until he was rescued by a navy dinghy.

Rescuers have found no trace of Mr Gavidi's three companions.