Updated Media Release: Cyclone Pat

Updated Media Release: Cyclone Pat

Cyclone Pat that passed through Aitutaki this morning at 5am New Zealand time, appears to be tracking away from Rarotonga. As communication has been restored with resorts and ground operators on Aitutaki, Cook Islands Tourism New Zealand Manager says the situation is not as bad as they first anticipated.

“While the high winds have caused damage to 60 percent of the houses, many of these have been unoccupied for some time or of poor construction.”

Mr Ingram says reports coming through from the various resorts centre on minor structural damage.

“The resorts are well built, designed with cyclones in mind, we are in the cyclone season and it is a common occurrence for the Pacific Islands at this time of the year. Vegetation and trees that have blown down has caused a mess and resorts will be cleaning this up over the next couple of days.”

Cyclone Pat tracked from Tautu –Vaipae then across the Aitutaki Airport across the top of the island and out to Akitua.

“The airport is operational on Aitutaki and two Air Rarotonga flights have landed with a third scheduled to depart Rarotonga shortly. These flights will bring those visitors who wish to return back to Rarotonga.”

Mr Ingram says guests appear to have been “shaken” by the experience.

“The fact it hit in the early hours of the morning when it was dark would certainly have intensified the experience. Guests and locals were moved to safety centres on the island and this no doubt contributed to the fact there were no casualties or injuries.”

Mr Ingram says anyone booked to travel to the Cook Islands should contact their travel agent for further information.

“The situation is changing all the time and regular updates are being provided to them from hotel and tour operators.”

ENDS

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