Photos by Linny Folau and Eleanor Gee

Photographs taken today around the eastern area of Tongatapu from Ha'ateiho up to Nukuleka, show extensive damage to homes, vegetation and schools caused by Tropical Cyclone Gita. 

Many of Tongatapu's oldest and most beautiful massive 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. Some people have started rebuilding their homes, while others continue to 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.