12 Apr 2017

Cyclone Cook claims one life in New Caledonia

2:26 pm on 12 April 2017

The body of a 73-year-old man has been found a day after he went missing during Cyclone Cook in New Caledonia.

The man, from the Kouaoua area, reportedly tried to reach a friend's home at the start of the category 3 storm but was swept away by a rising river.

His body was found several kilometres downstream.

The morning after the initial impact of Cyclone Cook in New Caledonia.

The morning after the initial impact of Cyclone Cook in New Caledonia. Photo: Supplied

Reports said the man went to look for keys to a house during the cyclone and never returned.

Cyclone Cook, which struck on Monday, caused substantial damage in isolated communities around Thio, Canala, Houailou and Kouaoua on the east coast.

According to the public broadcaster, some houses on Lifou in the Loyalty Islands lost their roofs.

Power had been restored to just about all of the tens of thousands who lost electricity.

The storm's centre passed about 100 kilometres away from the capital Noumea.

The broadcaster said eight prison inmates, who were caught as they were trying to escape during the storm, would face further sanctions.