Life is now back to normal for villagers of Lavena Village in Taveuni three years after Tropical Cyclone Winston struck Fiji.

More than a quarter of the homes in the village including the school were destroyed by the strong winds and huge waves brought about by the category five cyclone.

Many were forced to live in tents for months as rehabilitation was slow to reach them.

Village Headman, Petero Waisea says when supply of building materials was delayed, – the villagers decided to take matters into their own hands.

With whatever they can afford and with the assistance from NGO’s – villagers rebuilt the homes one by one.

It took them one year six months to complete rebuilding all the damaged homes.

Waisea adds, what is unique about the structure of the homes now is that, they are built to withstand strong winds and storms.

This year, the village will be working on rebuilding their village hall, which will now be the evacuation centre.