THE DAY THE ISLAND WAS ALMOST WIPED OFF THE MAP
On the afternoon of 1 November, 1997 - the first day of the hurricane season - cyclone Martin smashed huge waves through the villages and lagoon of Manihiki. 19 people died and 400 were evacuated to Rartotonga by the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
One report* described the terrifying day: "Housing was flattened, public facilities destroyed, crushed coral roads washed-out, and virtually all of the off-shore accommodation and equipment relating to the lagoon pearl-fishing industry was destroyed. Small boats, timbers and household contents were strewn everywhere, and sheets of cast-iron roofing were wrapped like tape around high trees. Sunken debris littered the edge of the lagoon to a distance of about 30 metres." And at one stage, there were serious discussions about abandoning the island altogether.
Some evidence of that day still remains - pieces of boats, tyres, trees and even fridges lie on the bottom of the lagoon.