Red Cross reconnects families during evacuation

About 1270 Aitutaki residents and visitors registered with Red Cross at seven relief centres during Saturday’s early morning tsunami warning evacuation.

The registration process was part of Red Cross’ Restoring Family Links programme, which aims to help worried family and friends find news of their loved ones during a disaster, as well as assisting the police in identifying missing persons.

Red Cross volunteers took the names of 1274 people who had evacuated to Aitutaki Hospital, Piraki, Mormon Church, Araura College, Baxters, a private residence and Tuaiti Avaura.

“Red Cross’ registration service is crucial during disasters, when families and friends may be separated and communications systems can be unreliable,” said Red Cross board member Patrick Arioka.

“The tsunami warning came at a time when the Aitutaki community is still reeling from the devastation caused by Cyclone Pat. Red Cross is committed to supporting people during disasters through helping them to reconnect if they lose touch, and providing peace of mind,” Arioka said.

Red Cross is the first large scale evacuation Aitutaki has experienced, where the island’s entire population needed to move to high ground for safety.

“While disaster response services have been strengthened during the ongoing response to Cyclone Pat, the tsunami warning put us to the test,” said Arioka.

“Red Cross is committed to working closely with authorities to improve coordination among all partners in any future disaster response.”

Red Cross also provided food, blankets, tarpaulins and psychological support to people in relief centres during Saturday’s response.

Red Cross’ tsunami warning response was the third in a series of disaster responses in Aitutaki, coming quickly after the organisation’s Cyclone Pat response was interrupted by preparations for a tropical depression.

“Red Cross definitely stepped up to the play in each event and the newly elected executive committee and volunteers have now had significant firsthand experience to guide them through the development of the Aitutaki branch disaster risk management plan and assisting the community to be better prepared,” Arioka said.