8 Jan 2003

30 strong police team begins rebuilding cyclone battered Tikopia

11:13 am on 8 January 2003

A team of 30 police sent to the cyclone battered island of Tikopia in Solomon Islands have begun clearing debris and helping villagers rebuild their homes.

The National Disaster Council says the team made up of regular police and special constables originally from the island, will be there for about a month.

Cyclone Zoe wrecked two complete villages on Tikopia and devastated crops and fruit trees.

The storm has left around five hundred people homeless.

Yesterday a team of eight officials visited neighbouring Anuta for the first time and found the destruction there less severe than on Tikopia.

There were no deaths or injuries but vegetation and crops were battered.

A third vessel carrying more supplies for both islands was to leave Honiara last night(tues)