The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints LDS has partnered with the Tongan Government to rebuild 116 homes that were destroyed and 61 homes that were damaged by Tropical Cyclone Ian in Ha'apai.

Elder ‘Aisake Tukuafu the Latter-day Saint Area Seventy and Howard Niu the Church’s of Tonga Service Centre Manager, co-signed a MOU for the humanitarian partnership with the Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano, on 17 July in Nuku’alofa.

Elder Tukuafu said they are grateful for the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Tongan Government in supporting the people of Ha’apai over the last few very difficult months.

“We are also grateful for the members of our church here in Tonga and throughout the world, whose hearts been inclined towards our brothers and sisters in Ha’apai."

The money to support this project comes from the Latter-day Saints humanitarian fund, a fund made up of contributions from church members from around the world.

The project is expected to also focus on training people in building and other trade skills as well as supporting families and community vegetable gardens.

The LDS church in Tongatapu had donated tents, food, water, blankets and medical provision among other supplies to Ha'apai, hours after the cyclone struck on 11 January.