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A powerful cyclone battered the Pacific island of Aitutaki, damaging 80 percent of homes and prompting authorities to impose an island-wide state of disaster.
The category three Cyclone Pat caused widespread damage, with winds gusting up to 100 knots in Aitutaki, part of the Cook Islands.
"The main damage on the island is roofing damage to about 80 percent of houses," Cook Islands Police Commissioner Maara Tetava said.
"The cyclone was very strong, it wasn't expected to be that strong. There are still a lot of people in shock and a state of disaster has been declared for the island," he said.
He said up to 100 tourists were believed to be safe on the island, which has a total population of around 2,000 people.
Only one injury had been reported.
Power had been knocked out for much of Aitutaki and may not be fully restored for up to six weeks, Tetava said.
By 11.00 am Wednesday (2130 GMT) the centre of the cyclone was about 55 nautical miles (102 kilometres) southwest of Aitutaki and about 115 nautical miles northwest of the main island of Rarotonga, which has about 10,000 residents.
The Fiji Meteorological Service said the cyclone was weakening rapidly and was tracking well to the west of Rarotonga, which lies about midway between New Zealand and Hawaii.
Authorities were not taking any chances, with government offices, schools and many businesses closed in Rarotonga.
"We are preparing for the worst. If it comes, we are ready and if it doesn't then it's our good luck," Tetava said.
A category three cyclone is the third strongest on a five point measurement scale.
