By Talaia Mika, Cook Islands News
An excavator clearing the debris from the harbour area at Trader Jack’s, one of the most popular spots on Rarotonga. Photo: Cook Islands News / Talaia Mika
The week of 9 to 15 December saw significant rainfall across several islands in the Cook Islands, providing much-needed relief to the ongoing water crisis in Rarotonga.
The rainfall, while beneficial, also led to some physical disturbances, including strong water currents that washed debris from the sea onto the shores, prompting cleanup efforts at various locations, including Trader Jack's in Rarotonga.
According to the latest rainfall summary from the Cook Islands Meteorological Service, Rarotonga itself recorded notable rainfall amounts, with Nikao receiving 122.2 millimetres and Titikaveka gathering 90.2mm in the past week.
These figures add up to a total of 212.4mm of rainfall for the island, which is a welcome boost for the island's water supply.
The heavy rain comes amid ongoing concerns about Rarotonga's water shortages, with many residents relying on stored rainwater.
In addition to Rarotonga, several other islands in the Southern and Northern Cook Islands also saw significant rainfall.
Atiu, for instance, recorded 146.4mm, while Mitiaro collected 126.4mm. Mauke's total reached 119mm, and Mangaia had 252.6mm, making it one of the wettest locations for the week.
In the Northern Cooks, Penrhyn saw a dramatic shift in rainfall, with 171.6mm falling on 12 December. Manihiki experienced varying rainfall throughout the week, accumulating a total of 188.6mm, with the highest reading of 84.8mm recorded on 14 December.
The Cook Islands Meteorological Service had earlier issued a strong wind warning for both the Southern and Northern Cook Islands, with gusts reaching 25 knots over the waters and moderate to fresh winds over land areas.
The active trough of low pressure that has affected the region brought not only rain but also occasional thunderstorms, particularly over Mauke and Aitutaki.
For the rest of the week, the weather is expected to remain cloudy with some showers and possible thunderstorms.
Northern and Southern Cook Islands will continue to experience occasional rain, with some heavy bursts and isolated thunderstorms, particularly over Mauke and Aitutaki.
