Vaitupu

Vaitupu is the largest atoll of the nation of Tuvalu. It is located at 7.48 degrees south and 178.83 degrees east. There are 1,061 people (2017 Census) living on with the main village being Asau. The island, which covers approximately , includes swamps, mangroves, a fringing coral reef, and a large lagoon. Vaitupu atoll consists of at least nine isles: Luasamotu Mosana (group of 2) Motutanifa Temotu Te Motu Olepa Tofia Vaitupu proper and at least one other islet The biggest island is Vaitupu proper, followed by Tofia. In the 2012 census, the population of the villages of Vaitupu were: Apalolo - Saniuta: 263 Tumaseu: 248 Potufale: 230 Asau: 198 In the same census, 502 people were recorded as being at Motufoua Secondary School. On 30 January and 1 February 1990, Cyclone Ofa had a major impact on Vaitupu, with around 85 percent of residential homes, trees and food crops being destroyed. In the 2011 Tuvalu drought, Vaitupu experienced the loss of coconut palm trees, pulaka and taro due to the high temperatures and arid soil. In March 2015, storm surges resulting from Cyclone Pam caused damage to houses, crops and infrastructure. The exact date of Vaitupu's first settlement is unknown. According to oral history, the founder of the Vaitupuan community was a Samoan by the name of Telematua, who arrived in the 16th or 17th century. However, it is possible that Tongans may have first reached the atoll during the mid-13th century. Vaitupu has maintained contacts with Tonga throughout its history, both peaceful (alliances through marriage) and hostile (visits by Tongan slave-seekers). Vaitupu was also visited by I-Kiribati, and was thus far from isolated. Vaitupu means 'the fountain of water'. Despite what earlier sources on the discovery of Vaitupu state, namely that Obed Starbuck, captain of whaler Loper of Nantucket, had sighted this island in 1825, it wasn't until 26 April 1826, that he in fact would. William Plaskett, captain of the Nantucket whaler Independence II, called at Vaitupu on 21 August 1827.