Hurricane Season!

Usually, the weather is not a problem in Tahiti. Sunshine, refreshing trade winds and tropical depressions during the rainy season make up the usual weather pattern. However, this year had been different. For the first time since 1906, Tahiti had been affected by a series of destructive hurricanes. Already in December 1982, hurricane Lisa had torn off roofs and uprooted trees in the Society Islands, of which Tahiti is the largest. Things had barely been restored to order when, in late January 1983, hurricane Nano, with center winds reaching 130 kilometers (81 mi) per hour, caused further damage.

In late February a shocking third hurricane, named Orama, with a huge eye more than 70 kilometers (43 mi) across, and winds reaching 150 kilometers (93 mi) an hour, ripped through the area and destroyed much of what Nano had spared. Calm seemed to have returned when, on March 8, the inhabitants heard that a new hurricane, named Reva, was on its way, with winds gusting up to 180 kilometers (112 mi) per hour. On March 12 the center of hurricane Reva passed within 140 kilometers (87 mi) of Tahiti, blowing down trees and electric poles in Papeete, the island’s main town.

Hence, there was concern about the weather. Had Tahiti seen the last of the hurricanes? Would the weather prevent the arrival of the guests and delay the dedication of the new branch office? The answer to both questions proved to be No!

The Guests Arrive

Tahiti had not seen the last of the hurricanes. On Monday evening, April 11, it was announced that a tropical depression named Veena had now become a hurricane in the neighboring Tuamotu archipelago and would probably head for Tahiti. Sure enough, the eye of the hurricane, around which raged winds of up to 200 kilometers (124 mi) per hour, passed within 40 kilometers (25 mi) of Tahiti’s southeast coast. Starting early Tuesday morning, the island was battered by its high-velocity winds.

After it had gone, the tropical-paradise image of Tahiti was rather tarnished. It is estimated that 3,043 houses were destroyed and 3,199 damaged; 26 boats were stranded and 39 sunk, and 25,000 people were left homeless. On April 13, Tahiti awoke to an unusual concert of hammers echoing on wood and sheet iron. The islanders were rebuilding. But what about the dedication of the new branch building? And what about the guests? Would they be able to get into Tahiti? Already, an airplane coming from Fiji had been forced to turn back. At last, however, several hours late, the plane carrying the guests arrived safely.

Thursday, April 14, was a full day. Many were repairing their damaged homes, and at the new branch building​—which, happily, was undamaged—​last-minute preparations were under way.

Another Hurricane

Everyone was greatly strengthened and encouraged by the dedication program. The guests left almost hidden by the numerous leis that their Tahitian friends loaded on them. Then, on Monday, April 18, hurricane William passed by, venting its worst fury on the East Tuamotu Islands. Enormous waves submerged the atolls, and violent winds wiped out villages and coconut-tree plantations. Before it was finished, hurricane William, too, had caused great damage.

Nevertheless, the 496 witnesses of Jehovah under the Tahiti branch were happy that the storms had paused long enough to allow the dedication of their new branch to take place on schedule. They were prepared to be more zealous in telling their neighbors the good news of the Kingdom. And they were particularly happy to be able to point out that, despite natural disasters, “in the fear of Jehovah there is strong confidence, and for his sons there will come to be a refuge.”​—Proverbs 14:26.