Weekly Niue News http://www.niuenews.nu/ [2004-09-11: list updated for new site] _______________________________________________ > We have 3 guests online > February 7, 2005 > Meena Deals Blow To Rarotonga > Cook Islands residents breathed a sigh of relief today as > Cyclone Meena moved south, leaving only flooding and minor > structural damage in its wake. > > A blue alert was issued on Niue early in the weekend but as > the cyclone moved south-eastwards it was withdrawn. > The cyclone was at its strongest over Rarotonga at about 8am > Sunday and by midday was about 80km west of the southern-most > island -- Mangaia, reported the NZ Herald. > A spokesman at a rescue co-ordination centre set up in the > Rarotongan capital of Avarua told NZPA Mangaia was still being > closely monitored as its residents took shelter. > Rarotonga appeared to be the worst hit of the cluster of 15 > islands with roofs lifted, flooding and debris on roads, but > so far no reports of injury. > Business woman Keala Tama, from Nikao in northwest Rarotonga, > said a significant clean-up effort would be needed along most > of the north coast. > "All the rocks from the beaches have gone right through all > the buildings on the seaside and right up to the main road. > "You just can't use the main road so everyone is walking > around and coming back to check their properties. > "The police are advising everyone to stay away so they can > concentrate on clearing the roads." > Ms Tama said warnings about Cyclone Sally (New Year's eve > 1986) were ignored by many Cook Islands communities and > lessons were learned when it struck. > "This time around everyone has been preparing since Friday. > everyone was very cautious." > [date.gif] Monday, 07 February 2005 > 26847 Visitors
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