There is reduced risk of tropical cyclones in the Cook Islands this cyclone season from November through to April, according to Cook Islands Meteorological Services (CIMS) director Maara Vaiimene.

He says the Cook Islands are expected to have just one named Tropical Cyclone due to  neutral/weak La Niña like-conditions which are to continue through the current cyclone season.”

However, with the expected reduced risk of tropical cyclones, there is still a possibility of extreme winds, storm surges and flooding that can cause damage from unnamed systems such as tropical depressions not reaching tropical Cyclone status.”

The CIMS office will continue to monitor any severe weather activity within the Cook Islands EEZ.

In recent years, king tides and tropical depressions have caused extensive damage along the coastline of Rarotonga and the Pa Enua.

Effective communication is crucial in preparing and protecting communities from the devastating impacts of extreme weather.

Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) is responsible for establishing the Puna (district) Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs), which are activated in times of disaster.

In preparation for cyclone season (November – April), EMCI met with the Rarotonga Puna representatives on Thursday to discuss and provide updates on safety measures and the resources to relay warnings.

“Communication is key,” says John Strickland, EMCI director.

He said in the Pa Enua each Puna have satellite phones to contact Rarotonga when online or phone services cut out.

On Rarotonga, EMCI use the services of print, radio and television media, as well as online communication services to deliver updates and warnings.

He said “blast texts” to mobile phones for immediate disaster warnings will also be looked into for urgent information deliver to the community.

Strickland is pleased with the Puna centre preparations for cyclone season.

He has confidence in the Puna managers getting crucial information out to the community in emergency response situations.

Enua Pakitoa, Ruatonga-Avatiu-Panama-Palmerston-Atupa (RAPPA) Puna manager was “happy” with the meeting.

He said the RAPPA EOC will be based at the Avatiu Meeting House when it is activated and the usual cyclone season warning procedures will be in place.

EMCI works together with the Meteorological Office, Police and Climate Change.

Strickland said although this is the La Niña period “we still have to be vigilant;  and we still have to be alert.

“Climate change impact is evident, the odd disasters have occurred here like the king sized waves, and tropical depressions that have actually been doing some damage.”

The Puna centres were established in 2011 with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between EMCI and Internal Affairs (INTAFF). It is a community partnership arrangement that aims to set up a safe, resilient, and sustainable Cook Islands.

In December 2021, a revised MOU was signed with the 10 Puna on Rarotonga that updated the relationship with EMCI.

Puna entities are standalone entities registered to themselves; however, they are also responsible to their community and aronga mana.

The Rarotonga Puna are: Takuvaine, Tupapa, RAPPA, Nikao, Matavera, Ngatangiia, Titikaveka, Ruaau, Akaoa, and Murienua.

There are also  Puna on the Pa Enua of Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro, Mangaia, Manihiki, Penrhyn, Pukapuka, and Rakahanga.