Relief on Cook Islands as cyclone passes

Cook Islands residents breathed a sigh of relief today as Cyclone Meena moved south, leaving only flooding and minor structural damage in its wake.

The cyclone was at its strongest over Rarotonga at about 8am Sunday (7am today NZ time) and by midday was about 80km west of the southern-most island -- Mangaia.

A spokesman at a rescue co-ordination centre set up in the Rarotongan capital of Avarua told NZPA Mangaia was still being closely monitored as its residents took shelter.

Rarotonga appeared to be the worst hit of the cluster of 15 islands with roofs lifted, flooding and debris on roads, but so far no reports of injury.

Business woman Keala Tama, from Nikao in northwest Rarotonga, said a significant clean-up effort would be needed along most of the north coast.

"All the rocks from the beaches have gone right through all the buildings on the seaside and right up to the main road.

"You just can't use the main road so everyone is walking around and coming back to check their properties.

"The police are advising everyone to stay away so they can concentrate on clearing the roads."

Ms Tama said warnings about Cyclone Sally (New Year's eve 1986) were ignored by many Cook Islands communities and lessons were learned when it struck.

"This time around everyone has been preparing since Friday. everyone was very cautious."

She said it was likely to be business as usual for the rest of the week .

Maeva Henry from Rarotonga's Edgewater Resort told NZPA winds were still strong, but the storm had moved away and clouds were breaking to expose patches of blue sky.

The cyclone had peaked in the northwest early this morning, Ms Henry said.

"The sea came into the main restaurant and pool. There were no broken doors, nothing. It's just that it's full of sea water and sand."

Ms Henry said all guests staying in beachfront rooms last night re-located to the back of the resort and would probably return to their rooms tomorrow.

About 200 people stranded after an Air New Zealand flight from Auckland was abandoned last night have returned to hotels after having spent the night at a local school.

It was today unclear when they would be able to return home.

- NZPA