PM declares state of disaster, state of emergency

On Wednesday morning at 11.40am the Prime Minister Hon Jim Marurai went on air at Radio Cook Islands to declare a state of disaster for Aitutaki under s19 of the Disaster Risk Management Act 2007. He also declared a state of emergency for Rarotonga under s20 of the same Act.
In respect of Aitutaki the PM called on all responding agencies and the community for their support and cooperation. In respect of Rarotonga with Cyclone Pat expected at 2pm Wednesday, he called on responding agencies and the community to prepare.
Both declarations were issued after the PM consulted with Cabinet, the Director of Emergency Management, the Commissioner of Police and the Response Executives. The PM would not confirm if he would travel to Aitutaki on the first available flight to see the damage for himself. It may not be until Thursday morning before flights are able to resume.
Cyclone Pat was expected to affect the area from Matavera through to Arorangi with high winds and rough seas.