Lautoka, Fiji — April 2026. In the aftermath of severe weather and flooding in Fiji’s Western Division, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lautoka have mobilised quickly to support the community—particularly children with disabilities—through a clean‑up effort at Lautoka Special School.
Following flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, local Church leaders worked closely with humanitarian missionaries and emergency response coordinators to assess the impact on members, missionaries, and community facilities. While no damage was reported to Church meetinghouses and all missionaries were accounted for and safe, several community facilities were affected by flooding and debris.
Lautoka Special School, which supports children with disabilities, requested assistance to help clear debris and prepare the school to safely reopen. In response, missionaries from the Lautoka District, along with young single adult members from the local congregation, volunteered to assist with the clean‑up.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and support our community at this important time,” said President Adrian Yee, president of the Fiji Lautoka Stake. “Our members and missionaries are eager to help, especially when it means enabling children to return safely to school.”
The clean‑up effort was coordinated in collaboration with the Church’s humanitarian missionaries in Fiji, with tools and supplies made available through local emergency response resources. School closures caused by the flooding are expected to ease as conditions improve, with many schools in the area planning to resume classes in the coming days.
Elder John R. Higgins, an Area Seventy for the Pacific Area, expressed appreciation for the swift response of local leaders and volunteers. “This is a wonderful example of how the Church works hand‑in‑hand with communities and trusted partners to provide timely, practical help,” he said.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a longstanding commitment to humanitarian service in Fiji and throughout the Pacific, often partnering with local leaders and organisations to assist following natural disasters. In times of need, members are encouraged to look beyond their own circumstances and care for their neighbours.
As recovery efforts continue, Church leaders remain in close contact with government authorities and community partners to monitor needs and provide assistance where appropriate.