In January 2004, Niue was hit by the fierce tropical storm Cyclone Heta which killed two people and did extensive damage to the entire island. Many of Alofi's buildings were destroyed, including the hospital. Government buildings were shifted to a less exposed site 3 km (1.9 mi) inland from the west coast, named Fonuakula, after the storm.[6] This site is still within the village boundaries of Alofi South.