CYCLONE PERCY - PUKAPUKA AFTERMATH These pictures are from a report by Television New Zealand's One News. They show the aftermath of the cyclone and the determination of the residents of Pukapuka to rebuild, no matter how long it takes them. They are published here exclusively with kind permission of TVNZ.
Water supplies were a major problem after the cyclone. Wells were contaminated and down spouts used for collecting rain were destroyed. Fresh water was flown in and a desalination plant was given to the island by the Government of French Polynesia.
The taro crop, which is an important part of the economy, was contaminated by sea water and could take two years to recover
The local school was all but destroyed in the cyclone and the area around it contaminated by asbestos
Julianne Westrupp was among a Red Cross team who co-ordinated international efforts to help the islanders
At one stage it was suggested women and children should be evacuated until rebuilding was complete...but islanders are determined to work their way through the hardships
This tiny hut houses the short wave radio which was the only permanent link with the outside world
