The island was affected by heavy rains and strong winds on 27-28 December 2001, leaving behind fallen trees and flooded homes and roads, and incurring damage to the country�s infrastructure, including drainage pipes in some areas.
In Australia, the 2001 wheat harvest is estimated at about 23 million tonnes. Although the season got off to a poor start in Western Australia and Queensland, due to dry weather, conditions in Western Australia improved as the season went on. As a result, average yields in this state have turned out much higher than anticipated. Output of winter coarse grains (mostly barley and oats), is estimated to have remained about the level of the previous year at some 8 million tonnes. The development of the rice plants for the 2002 season in Australia has been delayed by cool temperatures at the onset of the season in October last year and again in January. As a result, yields are expected to be significantly lower than in 2001. Combined with a 10 percent contraction in the area to 167 000 hectares, production is expected to reach about 1.4 million tonnes, down from almost 1.8 million tonnes in 2001.
The country has been affected by several natural disasters in the past few months. Early in December, tropical storm �Trina� hit the islands of Avarua and Mangaia, causing heavy rainfall and coastal flooding, particularly in the latter island. The floods destroyed fruit and root crops, mainly taro, as well as livestock, thus jeopardizing the food supply situation in the island. Emergency food and other types of relief assistance are being provided by the government and local and international institutions in the island. An appeal has been launched to the international community to help rehabilitate the agricultural sector.
The country is also threatened by the presence of the fruit fly, discovered in November 2001, in the surrounding areas of the capital Rarotonga. The insect is considered one of the most destructive pests of fruit and vegetables (between 80 and 90 percent of crops under threat). A surveillance programme has been initiated by the government and latest official information indicates that the threat might be receding. Cases of dengue fever have also been discovered in the capital. An eradication programme in the affected areas is being carried out by the government.
The island was severely hit by tropical cyclone �Waka� on the first days of the year. High winds and rough seas resulted in devastating coastal and inland flooding which destroyed or seriously damaged both urban and rural infrastructure, and seriously affected the agricultural sector. Food and cash crops were wiped out in several areas and fruit trees destroyed in many villages. Severe damage to property and infrastructure is also reported in the neighbouring islands, principally the Vava�u group of islands. An appeal to the international community has been made by the government to assist in the rehabilitation of the economy. Emergency relief assistance has been provided by the government in collaboration with national and international institutions.
The country was shaken by a strong earthquake on 3 January 2002, which caused damage to buildings, bridges, wharves and other infrastructure. This may have affected the food situation, particularly in Port Vila, the capital, the most affected location. No request for international assistance has been made by the government.