Tropical Cyclone Wati Damages Aitutaki Port
Roughly half of a newly upgraded $7 million causeway has washed back into the basin of Aitutaki’s primary port after Tropical Cyclone Wati tore through the Southern Cook Islands, leaving the vital facility underwater.
As the Category 2 storm sweeps across the island chain, Mayor Nick Henry warned that crews will likely have to re-dredge the harbour and inspect how much of the engineering work survived the battering. The disaster struck after a weather system that originated as Tropical Disturbance TD01F east of Samoa intensified into a destructive system packing maximum sustained winds near 100 km/h and gusts reaching 140 km/h.
Unforeseen Vulnerabilities at Arutanga Harbour
The devastation at the Arutanga Harbour and Marina infrastructure follows the impact of Tropical Cyclone Wati. Henry pointed out that the initial budget allocated for the port project did not cover the installation of steel sheet piling.
Authorities must now assess the true toll of the disaster on the ground.
A Premature Storm Triggers Destruction
The system developed approximately two weeks prior to the official South Pacific cyclone season, catching the region off guard. The season officially runs from November 1 to April 30.
Witnesses on the ground watched in alarm as waves reaching two stories high crashed onto the reef along the north-western coast.
Dangerous Coastal Conditions and Battering Winds
As the eye of the storm passed Aitutaki, residents faced treacherous coastal conditions.
The Cook Islands Meteorological Office issued strict warnings regarding heavy swells and a high probability of coastal inundation. Storm-force winds ranged from 54 to 76 knots, while flying debris littered streets and beaches.
Round-the-Clock Emergency Operations
Emergency operations shifted immediately to a 24/7 command post established at the local power station conference room. Public preparations had been active ahead of the storm.
Locals purchased rope and plywood from local suppliers to secure properties, vividly recalling the severe impact of Cyclone Pat in 2010. While boats and a few properties sustained minor damage, Henry confirmed that no injuries had been reported as of 2:30 pm local time.
Awaiting Recovery Assistance From Rarotonga
Local authorities have already requested formal recovery assistance from Rarotonga.
Island rangers are maintaining regular communication with the National Environment Service to account for conditions across the outer Pa Enua as the system tracks further southeast.