CONTINUING THE STORY OF THE CYCLONES
CYCLONES NANCY AND OLAF CYCLONES PERCY AND RAE
CYCLONES NANCY AND OLAF CYCLONES PERCY AND RAE
CYCLONE MEENA
As Meena approached the Islands, it neared super-cyclone status - the category reserved for storms with winds gusts greater than 280 kilometers per hour (173mph). But the cyclone changed direction when it was just north of the capital island, Rarotonga. Winds reached up to 100kph (70mph) - less than half the force expected. Despite that, damage was extensive. Power supplies were cut, trees blown down and a lot of structural damage was caused. A full emergency operation swung into force to protect islanders.
These dramatic pictures show the full force of the winds and waves on the waterfront in Avarua, Rarotonga. One report said the waves reached nearly a quarter of mile inland at one stage and Radio Australia reported they were nearly 30 feet (9 metres) high.
The famous Trader Jack's restaurant on the water front in Avarua, Rarotonga was among nearly a dozen businesses which were all but destroyed by huge waves. The owner, Jack Cooper estimated it would cost about NZ$600,000 to repair. But Jack was back in business within a few days..even though it wasn't quite what regulars were used to. He was using a shipping container as a makeshift bar. He called it "Meena and Leaner Jack in the Box"! Pictures are courtesy of Leilani Sadaraka's uncle in Rarotonga.
The famous Trader Jack's restaurant on the water front in Avarua, Rarotonga was among nearly a dozen businesses which were all but destroyed by huge waves. The owner, Jack Cooper estimated it would cost about NZ$600,000 to repair. But Jack was back in business within a few days..even though it wasn't quite what regulars were used to. He was using a shipping container as a makeshift bar. He called it "Meena and Leaner Jack in the Box"! Pictures are courtesy of Leilani Sadaraka's uncle in Rarotonga.
The full force of the damage only became apparent when the winds and waves receded. The New Zealand and Australian Governments offered special aid to the islands to help with a clean up and rebuilding programme.
Repair work on Rarotonga alone cost more than NZ$7 million (UK£2.65 million, US$4.96 million) according to the Ministry of Works and the Cook Islands Investment Corporation. The wharf itself cost about NZ$200,000 (UK£75,888, US$141,700) to repair.
Pictures from Cook Islands Herald and AFP
CYCLONES TIMELINE
1. MEENA 1st Feb 2. NANCY 10th Feb 3. OLAF 14 Feb 4. PERCY 25th Feb 5. RAE 4th Mar
1. MEENA 1st Feb 2. NANCY 10th Feb 3. OLAF 14 Feb 4. PERCY 25th Feb 5. RAE 4th Mar
Over the course of five weeks - from the beginning of February to early March, 2005 - Cook Islanders felt as though they were in the middle of a war zone. But their fight was not against another nation. It was against the brutal forces of nature in the shape of Cyclones Meena, Nancy, Olaf, Percy and Rae. Amazingly, and thankfully, no one was hurt.
Through pictures, reports from news services around the world and the local newspapers - the Cook Islands News and the Cook Islands Herald - a story unfolded of widespread damage, fear and a determination not to be beaten as the fury of winds and waves lashed the tiny, islands' nation. Something of that story is told on these pages. All sources are acknowledged. Click here for a map from Cook Islands News which shows the course of the five cyclones (opens in new window).
Through pictures, reports from news services around the world and the local newspapers - the Cook Islands News and the Cook Islands Herald - a story unfolded of widespread damage, fear and a determination not to be beaten as the fury of winds and waves lashed the tiny, islands' nation. Something of that story is told on these pages. All sources are acknowledged. Click here for a map from Cook Islands News which shows the course of the five cyclones (opens in new window).
AND A FINAL THOUGHT ABOUT CYCLONE MEENA FROM A VERY YOUNG ISLANDER...
"Cyclone Meena was dangerous because it broke my grandma's plants.
I felt sad because they died."
By Tiahuia Pittman, Year 3, Te Uki Ou school. First published by Cook Islands News
I felt sad because they died."
By Tiahuia Pittman, Year 3, Te Uki Ou school. First published by Cook Islands News