How did the storms help the islanders in the novel, Morning Girl?

Although the storms were often violent, we learn that even violent storms brought some good things to the islanders. Houses need to be re-roofed were fixed with "the palms were already spread on the ground, perfect for thatch," and coconuts lay on the ground, which saved the people the trouble of climbing trees for them. There were also large puddles left by the rain, in which, "silver fish carried from the sea could amazingly be found."