Us Assists Tokelau In Seawall Project To Minimize Damaging Effects Of Cyclones

The three tiny coral atolls that compose the South Pacific Islands called Tokelau are, at a highpoint of five metres above sea level, vulnerable in the extreme. Natives still reflect on the extensive damage caused by two cyclones in 1991. With assistance from the United Development Programme and a New Zealand contracting firm a seawall was constructed to last about 30 years. However, signs of erosion are already appearing and Tokelau is sinking by one centimetre each year. International aid is badly needed to repair and extend the seawall to completely surround the three atolls.