Navy helps out cyclone-struck Cooks

The Navy has delivered aid to the Northern Cook Islands, which are still struggling to recover from the damaging cyclones that ripped through the region in February.

Pukapuka Island was devastated by the violent storms. The commander of HMNZS Resolution, Dave Mundy, says the islanders have been slowly rebuilding their lives but it has been a struggle, with even the basics such as drinking water running perilously low.

He says initially, the islanders had to rely almost totally on rainwater, but because roofs were ripped off buildings, it was difficult catching it. Commander Mundy says when the Navy arrived, locals had only two days' worth of water left.

The Navy has dropped off three tonnes of food and about 4500 litres of drinking water. It has also carried out repairs.

Pukapuka is now totally depended on aid, as the year's crops were ruined by the cyclones.


- NEWSTALK ZB