There is a possibility that there will be a drought in Niuatputapu, during the coming months, said Sione Talifolau Lihau, a Tonga Red Cross volunteer, who returned to Nuku'aofa last Friday, 23 October after spending three weeks on the island.

Sione was in the first emergency relief team to land on the island after it was struck by the Tsunami of September 30.

"Many of the inhabitants of Hihifo have been left homeless with no housing, some have been camping in tents while others have evacuated to the bush and set up tents there." Sione said that water, electricity and essential food items are at a satisfaction level now, "but crops including cassava would be finished within a month's time. Families are just surviving on the food aid that has been transported up by defence vessels, but that will be utilised by the end of the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The main concern for the people of Niuatoputapu, as they are trying to rebuild their lives and their homes is that the hot season is arriving and there could be a drought.

"The earth felt really hot because the waves washed away the trees and the grass, and the salt water has withered away some of the greenery that was left. It is saddening to see that peoples livelihoods, their root crops, pandanus leaves which they used for weaving and fishing has been taken away by the tsunami. Everyone is just living one day at a time, and depending on the aid donation made to the island," explained Sione.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sione said that the water system and tanks remained damaged since the tsunami. But a water filtering system have been set up at Hihifo and Falehau to provide clean drinking water.

"With regards to electricity, there is light at Niuatoputapu High School that is used as the main command centre that has a generator including the Tonga Communication Corporation facility and the temporary hospital at the Mormon Church. The rest of the people use hurricane lamps and candles. The electricity is turned only at night."