New images reveal cyclone’s wrath

TONGA – New photographs taken just yesterday around the eastern area of Tonga’s main island of Tongatapu show extensive damage to homes, vegetation and schools caused by the category four Cyclone Gita.

As well as damage to buildings, many of Tongatapu’s oldest and most beautiful trees have been uprooted, some landing on homes, while others have snapped in half or lost branches, damaging power lines and property.

Since the cyclone a week ago, a lot of the heavy work of clearing and cleaning has been done, Matangi Tonga reports.

“Some people have started rebuilding their homes, while others wait for tents and tarpaulins for temporary shelter.

“Some homes still have whole or partial roofs uncovered, while others have used aid tarpaulins or their own materials to cover their roofs.

“The sound of generators, chainsaws, chopping, drilling, sweeping is now the norm as people are continuing to clean out their houses and yards and trying to get back to their normal everyday living.”

- Matangi Tonga