Weekly Niue News http://www.niuenews.nu/ [2004-09-11: list updated for new site] _______________________________________________ > We have 6 guests online > February 15, 2005 - Keeping You In Touch > Samoa Battened Down-Nature's Fury Unleased On the Cooks > Samoas National Disaster Centre is poised to co-ordinate > assistance as Cyclone Olaf moves towards the Samoan capital of > Apia. The super-cyclone is bringing rain and high winds to the > islands. Forecasters estimate the winds at its centre gusting > up to 230 kilometres an hour. > On its current path, damaging gale force winds from the > cyclone are expected to reach the northern island of Savaii > first, by early morning. > These winds are expected to intensify to very destructive > hurricane force winds before midday tomorrow. > Phenomenal sea swells are predicted to cause flooding in > coastal areas. > > The Principal National Disaster officer, Mena Nelson says she > hopes that people are fully prepared. > > She says schools closed early today and families have been > securing houses and stocking up on essential emergency > supplies. > > Niue remains outside the present predicted track of Olaf but a > strong wind warning has been issued for the island. > > The Olaf convergence zone is likely to bring rain and strong > winds to the island within the next 72 hours. > > Cyclone Nancy has caused significant damage to several islands > in the southern Cook Islands, and a number of people have been > moved to evacuation shelters. > > Very destructive winds, gusting up to 250 kilometres an hour > are still expected for Manuae, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke and the > nearby smaller islands, but the winds are forecast to > gradually decrease. > > Police officer John Hosking at the national emergency office > in Rarotonga, says the storm system, which is moving south > southwest, is now lying south of Aitutaki and heading for > Rarotonga. > > [date.gif] Tuesday, 15 February 2005 > 28362 Visitors
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