The worldÂ’s smallest self-governing island nation, Niue Island, known as the Rock of Polynesia, was hammered by a cyclone the first week of January that destroyed its entire tourism industry. Seventy percent of the islandÂ’s tourist infrastructure was demolished, and essential services such as health, water, communications and fuel are in a precarious state. The island is known for its spectacular diving and game fishing, but it will not be able to support any tourism for some time. Damage to the reefs around the island have not yet been assessed. Nine cyclones were predicted in the South Pacific this season, and this one, Cyclone Heta, was the first.
