Cook Islands' Palmerston Island suffers critical power shortage

Palmerston Island in the Cook Islands is experiencing a critical power shortage due to a broken diesel generator, leaving residents reliant on insufficient solar power. The island's aging generator failed, rendering it unable to produce the required voltage, forcing the community to implement strict power-saving measures since April 19. Shipping delays and limited berth space have hampered the arrival of replacement parts and a mechanic. The government is working to transport generator parts and a mechanic to the remote island, with a ship scheduled for May 21. The island's reliance on solar power and the need for refrigeration highlight the urgency of the situation.