Ha'apai's Salote Pilolevu Airport terminal reopened on Monday January 13, 2014, after Cyclone Ian.

Ha‘apai tourism faciliities suffered an estimated $1.6 million pa‘anga damage in Cyclone Ian but there have been no reports of any injured visitors, Tonga's Ministry of Commerce, Tourism & Labour reported today.

“It is evident that with lack of clean water, loss of electricity and telephone lines, it will take approximately 2-3 months for businesses to recover from the damages caused,” the ministry reported.

All seven tourism businesses in Lifuka and Foa had suffered cyclone damage on January 11, ranging from moderate to severe.

“Of the seven accommodations, Matafonua Lodge experienced the worst with major damage to the property including all 10 fales with the exception of the kitchen. Other resorts reported damage to their fales including roofing, windows and furniture. The water tanks and solar water system too have been damaged. These include Sandy Beach Resort Billy’s Place, Fifita’s Guest House, Lincy’s Guest House, ‘Evaloni’s Guest House, and Tiulipe Guest House,” stated the ministry.

The condition of  four more accommodation businesses on the outer islands of Uoleva and Felemea remained to be confirmed.