Tonga's Red Cross distributed Household Relief Kits to 24 Ha'apai families living in the most affected communities, after Tropical Cyclone Tino, which impacted Tonga on January 18.

Two Tonga Red Cross response teams on January 21-22 reached the six communities mostly affected, including Hihifo, Ha'ato'u, Pangai, Fotua, Holopeka and Koulo.

Communication Officer, Polikalepo Kefu said today, the 24 families consisted of 126 people. Household relief goods, included shelter toolkit, hygiene kit, cooking set, tarpaulins, water containers, blankets, mosquito net, solar lanterns and buckets.

The teams were led by Falakiko Taimani, Acting Secretary-General and Timote Veikoso, Ha'apai Officer-in- Charge, Tonga Red Cross, with Mr Eseroma Ledua, Country Cluster Supporting Team-International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Suva Office.

On January 18, Tropical Cyclone Tino caused storm surges in the low lying islands, damaging homes, mainly in Ha’apai and Niuatoputapu, as reported by Tonga's National Emergency Management Office.