Trying Times for the People of Aitutaki

Trying Times for the People of Aitutaki

12 February 2.30pm – The people of Aitutaki have begun the clean up from Cyclone Pat that passed through Aitutaki yesterday morning at 5am New Zealand time. Cook Islands Tourism New Zealand Manager, Chris Ingram says while the people are resilient, the next few days will be trying.

“While the damage could have been far worse and we are thankful there were no casualties, the fierce winds have left their mark.”

Mr Ingram says many of the resorts have sustained only minor structural damage and are operational that is not the case right across the island.

“The resorts are well built, designed with cyclones in mind as they are a common occurrence for the Pacific Islands at this time of the year. However the vegetation and trees that have blown down have caused a mess particularly to pools, the beach and areas used for dining and relaxing around the resorts. The cleanup is a priority as the sooner the resorts are back to the paradise images Aitutaki is known for, the tourists will be back.”

Mr Ingram says Aitutaki’s reliance on tourism is significant

“Visitors to the island ensure jobs for locals and while it is a blessing the damage isn’t worse, cyclone Pat has left its mark and these are trying times for our people.”

Mr Ingram says Rarotonga was unaffected by the cyclone and is operating as normal.

“Anyone travelling to Rarotonga for a holiday should not be concerned at all. Resorts on Aitutaki will take a few days and in some instances weeks to resume to normal but I know many of the resorts that are fully functional are assisting with forward bookings from those resorts that aren’t operational.

“That is very typical of people from the Cook Islands, we will all help each other out. I am aware that trades people from Rarotonga have flown over to help with the cleanup and repairs, in fact many visitors to the island opted to stay and help out, rather than return to Rarotonga on the flights yesterday.”

Mr Ingram says anyone booked to travel to Aitutaki as part of their trip to the Cook Islands should contact their travel agent for further information.

ENDS

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