Resort suffers damage

The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa suffered structural damage after tropical cyclone Pat ripped through the island.

“We sustained significant damage with the loss of the beach bar and restaurant,” said managing director Tata Crocombe. The wedding pavilion and other buildings were also seriously damaged.

Crocombe said the guests and staff were evacuated off Akitua and taken to the Mormon church on the main island on Tuesday afternoon.

Around 40 guests were due to fly into Aitutaki yesterday to stay at the resort.

As for guests at the Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, Crocombe said early yesterday afternoon that they were monitoring the situation.

The gale warning in place for Rarotonga was cancelled just after 5.30pm.