Close to 700 people staying on the island of Kioa is awaiting urgent relief assistance.

Advisory Councillor David Taulia said that over the weekend, Government Officials came to the island to assess the damages caused however they did not hand out any relief supplies.

Taulia added that the families have lost their entire crop and any source of income now as all the trees and dalo plantations have been completely destroyed.

He added that from his house which is situated near the beach, the smell of rotting dalo and upto or breadfruit can be smelt with the villagers now scavenging for any leftover root crops.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Northern Colonel Inia Seruiratu said that they are now sending a boat to the outer islands of Rabi and Kioa.