Geography Department
Cyclone Heta- Niue
Cyclone Heta was a powerful Category 5 tropical cyclone that caused
catastrophic damage to the islands of Tonga, Niue, and American Samoa
during late December 2003 and early January 2004.
Heta formed on December 25, 2003; it reached a maximum intensity of 160
mph and an estimated pressure of 915 millibars before dissipating on January
11, 2004.
The damage Heta caused on Tonga, Niue, and American Samoa was
estimated at $150 million dollars (2004 USD), with most of the damage
occurring in American Samoa; the cyclone was also responsible for one
death. Heta precipitated a massive relief and clean-up operation that lasted
throughout 2004.
The center of Heta passed 70 miles west of Samoa as the storm reached
Category 2 status. Heta reached a peak intensity of 160 mph (235 km/h) and
maintained it for 24 hours as it continued its south-southeastward track. By
that time, Heta was centered 50 miles northeast of Tonga, close to the island
of Niue.
The storm slowly weakened as it encountered the cooler waters of the far
South Pacific. Heta became extratropical 525 miles south of the island of
Rarotonga later on the 7th. These remnants of Heta slowed even further and
moved westward, where they finally dissipated on January 11 east of Norfolk
Island.
Preparation
On January 2, the meteorologists of the Australian Foundation for the Peoples
of Asia and the Pacific (AFAP) warned that Heta could hit Tokelau, and
predicted that the storm would turn south and pass to the west of Samoa. The
following day, however, the advisory area was extended to include Samoa
and then Niue and Tonga. At that point, the AFAP forecasted that the storm
would hit Niue as a Category 2 or 3 tropical cyclone in 12-24 hours.
In Niue, anticipating that the storm would bring catastrophic damage, 1300
residents sought shelter in their homes while others evacuated coastal areas
to higher ground.
Impact
Cyclone Heta caused over $150+ million dollars (2004 USD) in damage and
one fatality in its path across Tonga, Niue, Samoa, and American Samoa.
During its early stages, Heta brought heavy rains and light winds but caused
little or no damage.
In Niue, a weather station recorded a barometric pressure of 945 millibars
before it became inoperable. The capital city of Alofi, which took the brunt of
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the storm, was devastated as most of the commercial and financial areas
were wiped out by the high winds.
Damage to communications and electronic infrastructure was also great as
the storm damaged a satellite dish and disabled 75% of Niue's computer
database. The storm surge brought by Heta left two people dead. In all, the
storm caused $50 million (2004 NZD) in damage on the island.
Aftermath
The government of Niue declared a state of emergency after Cyclone Heta's
impact. On January 8, New Zealand and Australia provided relief aid and
supplies to the displaced residents. The aid provided by New Zealand's
government amounted to $5 million (2004 NZD). The devastation left by Heta
led to a major recovery plan by the government of Niue that lasted throughout
2004 and cost over $20 million (2004 NZD).
Summary
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