Mr Aholelei was at the airport, hoping to fly back to Nadi and catch the next flight to Tonga. However, the storm cancelled all domestic and some international flights.

by shalveen chand

Stranded at Nausori International Air-port Tongan National, Duane Aholelei calling for help after all flights were cancelled due to TC Sarai on December 27, 2019. Photo: Ronald Kumar.

Tongan rugby international Duane Aholelei was stranded at the Nausori International Airport yesterday – because of Tropical Cyclone Sarai.

The 30-year-old was in the country to collect his U.S. visa to join San Diego Legion and play alongside former All Black, Ma’a Nonu.

Mr Aholelei was at the airport, hoping to fly back to Nadi and catch the next flight to Tonga. However, the storm cancelled all domestic and some international flights.

“I have to be in the United States by the start of the year because I am to join a new club,” he said with a worried look.

“I had come to Fiji to get my United States visa and today (yesterday) I was supposed to go back to Tonga and from there fly to the USA.

“Right now, I am trying to get in touch with my rugby club in the USA.”

With the cyclone gaining momentum, Mr Aholelei does not have any family members here and is worried.

Yesterday afternoon, Mr Aholelei caught a bus to make his way to the Nadi International Airport with only one aim, to be at the airport when flights resume operation.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback: shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj