Thousands seek shelter during Cyclone Gita [1]
Wednesday, February 14, 2018 - 22:33. Updated on Monday, February 19, 2018 - 11:17.
Many people are living in evacuation centres on Tongatapu today after 119 homes were completely destroyed and 1131 partially damaged by Tropical Cyclone Gita, initial assessment reports revealed today, February 14.
This figure is expected to go up as surveys are still being conducted and have not been completed.
Hon Poasi Tei, MEIDECC Minister in a press conference this afternoon, said 4,500 people sought shelter at 108 evacuation centers in Tongatapu during Cyclone Gita on the night of February 12.
"This is only one of the reports that have been done now to survey the damages. There are some other figures from ‘Eua and part of Ha’apai affected to be received tomorrow," he said.
"We are thankful that people and our families are safe as this has always been our main priority as we prepared for this cyclone," he said. “Apart from the damages to homes we are thankful that we still have life today.”
He said one death was reported and although it was not due from any injuries sustained but the stress of the cyclone might have contributed to it.
There were three major injures now at Vaiola Hospital, with 30 plus people seeking medical assistance and all had been treated after the cyclone.
Power priorities
The Minister said power had been restored foremost to the hospital and today power to the Nuku’alofa water’s generator was done.
"We want to thank the defence force for clearing the main roads starting from early Tuesday morning when soldiers were deployed with cutters and cleared out the main roads to the hospital and Hihifo Roads and the eastern side to Fua’amotu airport," he said.
Work continues until all roads are cleared.
Yesterday tents and essential emergency hygiene and cooking utensils were brought by aircraft from New Zealand and Australia, while the Tonga Red Cross under NEMO had also distributed essential kits those most needed, at first opportunity.
Health
The CEO of Health Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola believed that Tonga's preparation for the cyclone was satisfactory.
He said despite the damage to homes they were surprised that the number of those injured was at this rate, which showed people listened and followed the warnings and advice given out by authorities, he said.
"Our priority now is to people living at the evacuation centres that they are cared for and that those areas are sprayed from mosquitoes, rubbish to be cleared and attend to those homes that have no running water in bathrooms," he said.
"Police said there was only one injury in ‘Eua but I have sent two medical officers there to check the state of the medical service at the hospital," he said.
There will be more updates tomorrow.
Communications have been difficult on Tongatapu today with some telephones services going down for periods. Services are being restored.