Cyclone Winston

Cyclone Winston, a category 5 cyclone hit the islands of Fiji on February 20, 2016.  It was the strongest tropical cyclone on record to make landfall over Fiji.  Most of the senior missionaries as well as many of the youth were all in the capital city, Suva for the re-dedication of the Fiji Temple.  President Henry B. Eyring and Elder Quentin L. Cook along with the entire Pacific Area Presidency had just arrived.  The cultural celebration that usually takes place before a temple dedication was significantly reduced in length and started an hour earlier due to a curfew being enforced because of the cyclone  The real miracle was that the storm didn't go over Suva, but turned and struck less populated areas on outer islands.  

The main path of the storm was across the main island's northern coastline and communities to the west.  Further north, the islands of Koro, Tavenui, and Vana Levu received the worst damage.  Sadly, 44 people were killed and thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed.  

On Sunday, February 21, the temple dedication went forward with a very small crowd due to government travel restrictions and blocked roads due to fallen trees.  Even with all the challenges, those in Fiji were thankful that many lives may have been spared because over 100 youth were in Suva for the temple dedication rather than at home in the outer islands where the eye of the cyclone passed over.

"We do not always have the option of choosing our situations in life, but we can respond with faith and trust in the Savior.  We can know that He knows and loves us and will be with us."  Elaine S. Dalton, Lessons from the Old Testament:  Lessons from Ruth and Hannah, April General Conference 2006