Disaster authorities in the Cook Islands are calling for more powers to allow them to communicate directly with government ministries in the event of a disaster.
The director of emergency management Charles Carlson says the country's disaster plans are too complex and inefficient.
Mr Carlson was speaking at a National Emergency Operation Centre meeting held earlier this week.
Photo: RNZI / Mary Baines
Participants noted weaknesses in current systems during a recent simulated aircraft crash drill at Rarotonga Airport during which communication was called "disastrous".
