Before During and after TC Heta.

Before Intense heating from the sun warmed the ocean to 27 degrees which resulted in rapid evaporation. The ITCZ and the Coriolis force spun the rising air in a clockwise direction while a jet stream accelerated the upward movement of it. The rising air cooled condensed and formed rain clouds. On January 1 st TC Heta formed over the SW Pacific just south of Tokelau.

During On january 5 th a cyclone alert was issued for Niue. Alofi, Niue’s capital was closed so workers could get home to batten down homes. Boats were lifted out of the water and Flights into Niue were diverted away. 6 th January TC Heta struck Niue and lasted 12hours. 200 mm of rain fell and winds exceeded 250 kph which knocked over trees and buildings. Storm surges of 4-7 metres high rocked the island and due to the island not being able to absorb wave energy waves were able to exceed 10 metres in height. These waves washed hundreds of metres inland at speeds of around 100 kph.

After NZ and Aussie military aid workers arrived and assisted in urgent relief, such as dist of food and medicines. Evacuation centres were set up to assist hundreds of people whose homes were destroyed. NZ Gave 5 million and the EU gave over 700,000. NZ sent two airforce hercules plus ships with supplies to help rebuild. A donor team comprising representatives from seven countries worked with NZ authorities to help with relief efforts. Seventy eight people were airlifted to NZ four of them required medical treatment.

After Re-establishment of agriculture and tourism began. Nzers and Niueans learnt a lesson and rebuilt in more protected areas. It was decided that the capital Alofi be relocated in the centre of the island.

Before During After Diagram