Cyclone in the Pacific.

Manawatu Herald, 21 February 1903, Page 2

Cyclone in the Pacific.

News to hand by the steamer Ovalau gives parbiculas of a terrible cyclone which struck the Low Archipelago on the 13th January, devastating the islands of Amanu, Haa, Rovahera, Marpkau, Takenu® and Raroia; also doing great damage on other islands. The cyclone also struck the Marquesas group, doing much damage. On the island of Uapo a severe earthquake was felt. The islands of Rayahere and Marokau were swept completely. Not a house remained. Some one hundred people lost their lives on Morakau.

At Talume, a whole village was swept away, fifteen persons being, killed. The village settlement on Earoia had all the houses blown, and was swept by the sea, fifteen people losing their lives. On Bow Island, one of the finest villages of the archipelago suffered terribly, every house being blown down down by the gale. Only five olives were lost here. Thq village of Avanu was devastated, and five persons killed. The island of Hikiwea, carrying a population of a thousand, suffered most severely from the hurricane; having apparently felt the entire force of the cyclone, the island on which the village was established being swept, not a -store or house remaining. Only a.'few' cocoanut palms resisted the fury of the storm The number lost or killed en this Island Is about 400. Grave fears were entertained as to the safety of several schooners, and up to the 7th February mo news had been received of them at Papeete. Over eighty pearling cutters were lost at Hikeura. Warships had been sent from Papeete with provisions for the sufferers. The French authorities are taking steps to relieve the distress. On some of the islands the peopl4 saved themselves by climbing. up, cocoanut trees, and remaining in them for six or eight hours.

No estimate is available as to the loss by traders and inhabitants, but it must be very considerable; in fact, they have lost practically everything and are completely ruined.