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Islanders have had to undertake the gruesome task of recovering the remains of family members. The waves, whipped up by Cyclone Pam, destroyed the Nui cemetery on the southern side of the island, and the debris contaminated both the land and water.
Mahurangi College has launched a special community appeal for the small Pacific island of Nui, part of the Tuvalu group, which was devastated in Cyclone Pam last month.There are about 45 Tuvaluan students at the college, including 10 from Nui, as well as support teacher Situila Neleta.
Situila finds it difficult to speak about the current situation on Nui without tears.
There are about 70 families on Nui and nearly half are living in three shelter buildings or with other families. The hospital has been partly destroyed, roads are impassable and debris and sand from the ocean is scattered across the island.
There is no fresh drinking water, no electricity, crops have been ruined by seawater inundation and most of the buildings have been levelled. The islanders are relying totally on overseas aid.
“It’s been heartbreaking and it will take years for the community to recover,” Situila says.
Pacific Direct Line has given four containers to the Tuvaluan community at a reduced rate and one is earmarked specifically for Nui.
Principal David Macleod hopes the school and the wider community will be able to fill the container with food and clothing, and other basic requirements.
“The fact that we have Tuvaluan students in the school brings this disaster very close to home,” he says.
“Staff and students have been upset to learn of the extent of damage and the response to the appeal has been instantaneous. After assembly, one student came in with $20 of her own money.”
What’s needed
Tinned food
Water
Tools
Soap
Eating utensils
Kitchenware such as bowls and pots and pans
Blankets and mattresses
Financial donations to help meet the costs of getting one container to the island – $4300. As well as arranging for a second container – $9000.
Donations can be left at Mahurangi College, between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
