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Tropical cyclone Pat storms through the northern Cook Islands - Source: Mike Henry -
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A state of disaster has been declared by the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands for the island of Aitutaki.
Cyclone Pat hit the island early Thursday morning and 70% of the island has been damaged heavily. There is no power, but only one casualty has been reported.
On top of that a state of emergency is now declared for Rarotonga.
The cyclone is expected to hit Rarotonga on Thursday afternoon.
Emergency services are trying to establish how bad the damage is.
The category three cyclone is expected to bring winds of up to 100 knots as well as high seas and flooding.
Nadi Weather Office duty forecaster Robin Nataniela says the cyclone is still moving Southwest at a speed of about 10 knots.
He says it is causing high seas and heavy rain.
Communications appear to be restored in parts of the Cook Islands after being hit by the cyclone.
The Emergency Operational Centre lost contact with Aitutaki for several hours on Thursday morning.
A spokesman says they have satellite phone contact now but are still trying to get details about the damage the cyclone has done.
New Zealanders holidaying there are being encouraged to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's safe travel website, and keep up to date with weather and local authority announcements.
Moana Moekaa from the Cook Island News says there have been strong winds gusting 80 to 100 knots.
He says there has been a lot of wind damage on the north western side of the island and a lot of damage to houses.
Are you in the Cook Islands? Do you have a story to tell or pictures of the aftermath of the cyclone? You can send them to us at news@tvnz.co.nz
