The most devastating hurricane in human history: Heta.

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The most devastating hurricane in human history: Heta.

So here we have the Niuean dollar, nominal - 5. The year of issue of this coin is 2019, mint: Warszawa, Poland. Total circulation – 500.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Heta was a Category 5 tropical cyclone that caused moderate damage to the islands of Tonga, Niue, and American Samoa during late December 2003 and early January 2004. Heta formed on December 25, 2003, it reached a maximum intensity of 260 km/h (160 mph) before dissipating on January 11, 2004. It was the first named tropical cyclone to form during the 2003 – 2004 South Pacific cyclone season.

The damage Heta caused on Tonga, Niue, and American Samoa was estimated at $150 million. The cyclone was also responsible for one death. Heta precipitated a massive relief and clean-up operation that lasted throughout 2004.

In Niue, anticipating that the storm would bring catastrophic damage, 1300 residents sought shelter in their homes while others evacuated coastal areas to higher ground. One person was reported dead, and the storm damage described as the worst in living memory. The capital Alofi was destroyed, as was the island's only hospital.

Object data

Title

The most devastating hurricane in human history: Heta.

Artist

Obverse: Ian Rank-Broadley.

Founder

Warszawa, Poland.

Date

2019.

Culture

Niue.

Medium

Gold plated silver 0.999.

Dimensions

62.2x50x4.5.

Classification

Coin.

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