Northern islands still without cyclone shelters

Director of Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) Charles Carlson has just returned from a two week trip to the northern group satisfied with the progress being made in relation to disaster response plans but very concerned that following the 2005 cyclones, there are still no cyclone shelters on Palmerston (requested in 2003), Nassau, Pukapuka and Penrhyn.
Carlson along with Reb Samuel traveled north on the patrol boat Te Kukupa leaving 10 February and returning 24 February 2011. Their trip was funded by the NZ Aid Programme. CITV cameraman Mac Marona who recorded the trip for EMCI.
The team visited Palmerston, Nassau, Pukapuka (stop over) and Penrhyn.
Carlson said there were three main reasons for the trip.
Firstly, to work with each Island Council to set up their emergency structure and develop their disaster response plans.
Secondly, to explain the structure at Headquarters on Rarotonga so the Councils gain a better understanding of how they fit in and what’s required of them.
Thirdly, to complete the documentary being made on “traditional science” in relation to cyclones and rough seas.
Reb Samuel is a GIS mapping specialist contracted by EMCI to help map the outer islands utilizing Google Earth so to get a good understanding of the houses, properties, schools and other features. So far he has mapped Manihiki, Rakahanga, Palmerston, Nassau, Pukapuka and Penrhyn.
Carlson said he found the islands well prepared and organized. This is important as in the north it will be 2-3 days before help can arrive. For Penrhyn, it could be 4-5 days before a boat arrives. The challenge said Carlson is to achieve a quicker response. Communication is always a problem but the Red Cross now have satellite phones which provide a good back up.
The biggest issue and a major concern is the lack of shelters.
Nassau said Carlson is one island where the people sought permission from the Aronga Mana in Pukapuka to replace their kikau homes with modern houses. They did this on their own accord and did not wait for help.
Carlson said the outer islands have suffered from neglect and lack of resources for a long time and he admires the people for their resilience and patience but depopulation is having an effect. On the islands there are now many unoccupied homes which have fallen into disrepair and can pose a hazard in a cyclone. It’s now completely different to when he traveled in the north with OMIA in 2002. Migration is a serious problem.
In terms of building standards he said government should look at building designs. Some modern homes were damaged in 2005 and a long term project might be to look into the replacement value of homes.
Another observation made was that agencies on Rarotonga should recognize the Island Council as the government body. Some agencies are dealing directly with their counterparts on the island and should involve the Island Council so everyone works together.
Carlson said due to changes in the outer islands to personnel following elections for Council, EMCI needs to make a visit around every three years or so.

By Charles Pitt

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