One dead as Cat 5 Ian devastates Ha‘apai islands

One person died on LIfuka as Tropical Cyclone Ian Category 5 ripped through the Ha‘apai Islands yesterday afternoon, causing extensive devastation, although the full extent of the impact on the low lying islands is unknown in Tonga's first recorded Category 5 cyclone. In Lifuka most houses were flattened or damaged and people sheltered in the churches and other community buildings.