15 Sep 2005

French Polynesian president declares storm-hit Bora Bora disaster zone

6:22 am on 15 September 2005

The French Polynesian president, Oscar Temaru, has described a storm which hit Bora Bora and Raiatea at the weekend as a disaster zone.

The news agency Tahitipresse reports Mr Temaru led a delegation to the islands yesterday to count the costs and assess the needs of people affected.

About 60 families have been hit on Bora Bora, with sea flooding and homes destroyed.

The Intercontinental hotel has shut its doors, with 120 people now out of work.

Mr Temaru says tourists will now hesitate to travel to the area, but he says a storm of such intensity is rare in the country.