Photos by Eleanor Gee

Cyclone Gita destroyed 18 homes and damaged another 60 houses in Houma, on Tongatapu, where a massive clean-up operation has been underway this week.

Many large trees were heavily damaged and three water tanks smashed by the powerful cyclone that swept into Tongatapu from the south, where the coastal villages were smacked by the winds. Power poles and trees blocked the roads.

"Today a gang of 96 people worked in the village," said Lord Vaea of Houma. "There's been cleaning for the past week. It's heavy work"

The Government Primary School at Houma and roads have been cleared and the access road to the famous Houma Blowholes has been cleared of fallen trees.

Plantations have been badly damaged. "Definite shortage of food in the middle of the year," said Lord Vaea.

Houma village has received some assistance.

"First distribution of assistance on Saturday. Tarpaulins, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, kitchen sets, sugar, flour, canned-beef, can fish, candles, lighters and buckets. We hope to have another distribution today. We need the tents," he said.