Defence staff astonished no one hurt in Cooks cyclone

The New Zealand Defence Force says it's amazing there were no injuries during the cyclone that slammed Aitutaki in the Cook Islands last week.

Hardly a home was left intact after Tropical Cyclone Pat hit the island on February 11.

The Defence Force has been helping islanders to repair their damaged homes and restore services.

Squadron Leader Kavae Tamariki, who flew to the Cooks with a Defence Force aid team in an Air Force Hercules, said being in such a devastated area was "pretty humbling".

"I am amazed that no one got hurt when you see the amount of debris lying around."

Aid had arrived at a crucial time and fresh water, food and temporary shelters were providing relief, he said.

"The island has been hit pretty hard. There is a lot of work to do to restore essential services before they begin the rebuilding process but the work has begun. We hope to make a positive impact while we are here."

Squadron Leader Tamariki said that 68 homes were totally destroyed and "pretty much 90 per cent of the houses have some form of damage".

"There are a lot of people who are homeless, living in churches or with other family members."

The Hercules had made four flights to take supplies from Rarotonga to Aitutaki. Emergency aid included a water purification plant, temporary shelters, electrical cabling, water containers, two bobcat diggers, blankets and food.

Army Engineering sent specialists from Linton including electricians, a builder, heavy plant operators and a plumber.

Squadron Leader Tamariki said their first task was to put up temporary shelters for families who lost their homes. They would also restore electricity and the main water supply. The Government has given $200,000 to help repair damage.

- NZPA