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Police arrest cyclone looters

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Three male teenagers from the village of Faleloa were arrested by police on Tuesday 14 for allegedly looting on January 11 the day Cyclone Ian wrecked the Ha'apai group.

'Okusitino Peleki, the Ha'apai Police Inspector said "they received a complaint on Sunday 12 January, 2014 from the owner of Matafonua Lodge,  Darren Rice after he returned to the Lodge and found out that" properties worth  $190,10.00 were stolen from the place.

Police were able to seize the stolen goods including alochol and beers which some of them have already been consumed by the trio, Peleki said.

"Investigations are still ongoing with report that there are more suspects who were involved in committing this crime", the Police Inspector said.

"Acting Police Commisisoner ‘Unga Fa’aoa urged those in Ha’apai who are thinking of Committing or continuing to commit this type of crime or any other crimes because of the Vulnerable State facing the Island, to desist as they will be facing prosecution when caught".

Ha‘apai relief effort sends first containers

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

[lastupdated]

NZ, AUCK:  Pacific community in Auckland rallied to step up efforts to help victims in Tonga that devastated by super Cyclone Ian.

The most powerful cyclone ever recorded to have smashed into the Tonga Islands demolished 90 percent of all homes and at least one person killed in the kingdom’s third  largest island group of Ha’apai.  

Chairperson of the Ha’apai Relief Committee in Auckland, Jenny Latu Salesa told Kaniva News today a committee was set up to organize the Ha’apai relief effort following a meeting held last night in Mangere by the Tongan and Pacific communities.

“There are three containers now hopefully by this evening they will be available at Lotofale’ia church and they are free for the community to put in whatever they like to send to help Ha’apai,” Salesa said.

The deadline is Saturday 18 before the vessel leaves for Tonga on Monday next week.

But there was something Salesa asked the Auckland community to consider:

Just “give the basic necessity needs. At this stage we will only accept non-perishable food, water and small household tools, crockery and cutlery. No tv and  furniture", she said adding this is not the “last chance to send assistance to Tonga as the relief project was set to be ongoing and at this point in time we need to send just the immediate needs”.

Salesa said the Mayoral Disaster Fund has been activated by Mayor Len Borwn’s office following Cyclone Ian and the Ha’apai Relief Committee in New Zealand “was fortunate to get fund from it”.

“The Mayoral Fund would pay for the shipments and all costs for the transportation. That fund was intended to help the Pacific countries when there is disaster like this,” said Salesa who is the only Tongan member in the Mayoral Fund advisory committee.

The meeting was arranged by Mangere’s Labour MP Sua William Sio and Lawyer ‘Amelia Schaaf.  

National MP Peseta Lotu Inga attended  and he outlined at the meeting the “New Zealand Government's response to the disaster and encouraged local people to also take part in the relief efforts for family and friends back home in Tonga”.

Need more help

While a huge relief effort is under way in the Ha’apai Group to help victims Ha’apai Governor, Lord Tu’iha’angana said they  need a lot more help.

NEMO’s Impact report says there were 4979 people estimated to have been around when the cyclone hit.

Victims now shelter in church buildings and public halls.

The telecommunication networks was reported to be up and running since yesterday.

New Zealand 3News said it would take at least two months to rebuild the power lines which 95 percent  of it has been destroyed by the cyclone.

Thousands fear hunger as report released

By
Kalino Latu
-

[lastupdated]

A report says almost 5000 people in Ha’apai were affected when cyclone Ian hit on Saturday leaving nearly 1000 households homeless with many evacuated to church and public halls.

The category 5 cyclone struck Ha’apai Islands in Tonga with gusts of up to 287km per hour destroying homes and it claimed the life of 51-year-old Kalolaine Paongo of Pangai. The woman injured her leg when it hit by a roofing iron. She later died in hospital.

Tongan disaster teams assisted by the New Zealand relief personnel were dispatched to the area on Sunday to begin relief and assessment operation.  

A National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) Ha’apai Impact Analysis report was made available yesterday.

From the figures shown the areas affected by the cyclone have a total population of 4979 with an estimated  households of 952. The cyclone hit only six islands. They were Lifuka, Foa, Uiha, Lofanga, Mo'unga'one and Kauvai Ha'ano.

Ha’apai has a population of 8000 but Tonga Red Cross this week mentioned  6000 when its secretary general, Sione Taumoefolau referred to the islands’ population.

Sixty two islands altogether but only 19 are inhabited (according to District and town offficers Act 1988)

The villages of  Pangai  in Lifuka, Faleloa in Foa, Ha’ano in Kauvai and the island of Mo’unga’one  were  the worst-affected areas, according to the NEMO's impact report.  

It says Pangai has a total population of 1239 and has an estimated households of 239. The cyclone ripped off roof of the Pangai market and 75% of the houses destroyed. Twenty percent of the Police Station was destroyed and 50 percent damaged, the report says.  

 Faleloa in Foa Island, total population of 353, estimated households of 61 in which 70 percent of the shelter and buildings majorly damaged.

Pukotala in the Kauvai Ha’ano Island has a population of 91 in total, estimated households of 17.  The report says 22 houses destroyed and 15 damaged.  Overall about 60 percent of the village destroyed or majorly damaged.

Mo’unga’one Island, total population 92, estimated households 20. About 70 percent of the island destroyed,  35 houses destroyed and 3 damaged, the report says.  

Ha’ano in  Kauvai Ha’ano Island, total population 115, estimated households 27.  Seventy five percent of the  buildings and shelter  including churches and primary school majorly damaged.  Ten houses destroyed and 24 damaged , 3 were left unaffected, according to the report.

Hihifo in Lifuka Island has a population of 833 in total, estimated households 167. Hospital roof damaged, according to the report.

Holopeka in Lifuka Island, total population 141, estimated households 27. About 60 percent of the buildings and shelter destroyed.

Koulo in Lifuka Island, total population 214, estimated households 37. About 50 percent of the buildings and shelter destroyed.

Fangale’ounga in  Foa Island, total population 174, estimated households 30.  About 50% of the buildings and shelter destroyed, and 10 to 20 percent  damaged.

Fotua in Foa Island,  total population 225, estimated households 36. About 15 percent of houses destroyed and 15 percent damaged.

Lotofoa in Foa Island, total population 410, estimated households 67. About 50 percent of  the buildings and shelter damaged.

Ha’afakahenga, in Foa Island,  total population 102, estimated household 18.  About 25 percent of the buildings and shelter damaged.

Ha’ateiho Si’i in Foa Island, total population of 105, estimated households 19. About 25 percent of the buildings and shelter damaged.

Fakakakai in  Kauvai Ha’ano Island, total population of 176, estimated households 33. About 13 buildings and a church destroyed, about 60 percent of the  buildings damaged.

Muitoa in Kauvai Ha’ano Island, total population 37, estimated households 9. About  5 houses majorly damaged.

Uiha Island, total population 415, estimated households 78. About  10 damaged.

Felemea in ‘Uiha Island, population 137, estimated households 34. About 5 light damages.

Lofanga Island, total population 120, estimated households 33. Light damage. 6 houses damaged, 40 were saved.

Aucklanders meeting

There is grave concern now about the safety and conditions of people outside Lifuka Island as relief angencies have yet to reach them.

All assistances and relief operations available ended up in Lifuka only where the adminitrative centre is. 

Tongans in Auckland will hold a meeting today to organise relief efforts to help the cyclone victims back home and the community would only be asked to donate foods and water.

Makalita Kolo one of the coordinators said that was the  advice from the Opposition Leader MP 'Akilisi Pohiva saying there was fear some people in Ha'apai may have not been access to clean water and food since the cyclone left.

"That's what we will take with us to the meeting  this evening to discuss  with the people, " Kolo said.

"There are other essential  supplies that are important like shelter, tents and clothing but other relief agencies are providing them, food and water are the most immediate needs now," she said.

Ha’apai Islands:

Population: 8000 (Tonga Red Cross claimed 6000).

Contain 62 islands, 19 inhabited

Districts: (District and town offficers Act 1988)

 (1) Mu'omu'a District. The islands of Nomuka, Mango, Fonoifua, Kelefesia and Tonumea.

(2) Lulunga District. The islands of Ha'afeva, Tungua, Matuku, 'O'ua, Kotu and Fotuha'a, Kao and Tofua.

(3) "Uiha District. The islands of 'Uiha and Lofanga.

(4) Lifuka District. The island of Lifuka.

(5) Foa District. The island of Foa.

(6) Ha'ano District. The islands of Ha'ano and Mo'unga'one.

In pictures: Cyclone Ian aftermath

By
Kalino Latu
-

[lastupdated]

Tonga's Digicel mobile communication provider has announced this morning  its telecommunication services to Ha’apai have been restored after links were cut by the massive destruction caused by Cyclone Ian.

Sione Taumoefolau, Tonga Red Cross Secretary General told Radio & Television Tonga this morning about 4000 out of the 6000 residents of Ha'apai were affected.

At least one elderly woman died and about  70% of the islands were either partly affected or completely destroyed, authorities said.

The cyclone hit the islands with Category 5 strength, the strongest a storm could create.

The catastrophic cyclone caused massive damage in the islands of Foa, Lifuka, Kauvai Ha'ano,  and Mo'unga'one flattening houses and causing thousands to flee their homes.

The Tongan government has declared state of emergency and signalled that it is working to facilitate all assistance available both locally and from overseas. 

Aid agencies are pushing for immediate access to the affected areas.

Aerial images after fatal cyclone Ian hit

By
Kalino Latu
-

[lastupdated]

Cyclone Ian swept into Ha’apai Islands on Saturday 11, killing one woman and causing widespread damage.

RNZF Orion crew took the images today after the cyclone hit.

The team of assessors sent to the area to assess the aftermath have today returned to Tongatapu and NEMO is working to analyse the data collected.

Tonga's Director of Emergencies Leveni ‘Aho was quoted by Tonga Broadcasting Commission as saying the impact of the cyclone at ‘Otumu’omu’a mainly the islands of Nomuka and Ha'afeva  was minimal.

The islands of ‘Uiha and Felemea however were devastated by the cyclone that struck with wind gusting up to 287km/h, 'Aho said.

Ha’apai group have 62 islands with only 23 inhabited and a full report on how the cyclone smashed into the whole of the Fo‘i‘one‘one  is expected to be available tomorrow.

The islands of Lofanga and Mo’unga’one at Lulunga were two of the most affected areas and they need urgent assistance, ‘Aho said.

As relief efforts started to flow in since Sunday morning, Digicel Company and the Mormon Church donated foods, shelters and medical supplies which arrived by plane at Lifuka this afternoon.

Tongan two navy patrol boats carried tarpaulins, tents and other emergency supplies.

With the intensity of Cyclone Ian subsiding, steps to restore snapped communication lines, power cables and rebuild damaged infrastructure including major work at Salote Pilolevu airport at Koulo started today.

The Fua’amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at its cyclone warning number 47 today said the tropical cyclone warning previously in force for Tonga is now cancelled.

Deadly Cyclone Ian kills one woman

By
Kalino Latu
-

Last updated: January 12, 2014 at 23:40 pm

Cyclone Ian, the most powerful that whipped across Tonga in decades claimed an elderly woman's life which police  said she was Kalolaine Paongo of Pangai in Lifuka, Ha'apai.

The woman's funeral service was held today but  authorities did not give further details of the deceased.

Cyclone Ian meandered between Fiji and Tonga early this week but in its last swing at Category 4 towards the Friendly Islands it made landfall in Vava’u on Friday before devastating Ha'apai on Saturday.

Upgraded to Category 5 Cyclone Ian ripped roofs off buildings, flattened houses, uprooted trees, damaged power cables and has caused immense destruction to infrastructure, Sione Taumoefolau head of the Tonga Red Cross  said today.

Since communication to the outer island of Ha’apai has been cut off as the cyclone lashed through Taumoefolau said the magnitude and sheer scale of destruction Ian has wrought on the islands not immediately clear.

The main islands of Ha‘ano, Lifuka and Foa were reported to be the most affected areas.

People were evacuated to church buildings while fallen trees and power poles blocked roads.

An image of the Tongaleleka Free Wesleyan Church in Lifuka has been shared on Facebook today.  

The image shows the historical church building’s roof has been completely blown off.

Apocalyptic

The Governor of Ha'apai, Lord Tu'i Ha'angana told media that he could see from one side of the island to the "liku" (cliff-bound coast) at the other end and that’s how horrific the cyclone was.

Following some of the islanders on social media since the powerful tropical cyclone left many said the island had been hit by an "apocalyptic" storm.

A source quoted a  representative from the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) as reporting:

“At approximately 2230hrs NEMO officer at Ha'apai reported that 70 per cent of structures were either damaged or completely ruined.

“Water and Power supply were damaged. Prison, TDB, Police Station, church halls (except LDS), civil servant dwellings,  Red Cross and NEMO bases damaged. Communication towers down.

“Emergency services now based at the Governor’s office.

Resorts and Tourist accommodation damaged”.

Clear up operation

Ha'apai Governor, Lord Tu'iha'angana called an emergency meeting with the district and town officers as well as government's  head of departments today.

Following the meeting  locals started clearing up debris and trashes left by Ian but strictly monitored to avoid further disaster, local media report.

The government announced a reconnaissance mission to assess the scale of the damage today.

Deputy Pime Minister Hon Samiu Vaipulu said the Tongan patrol boat VOEA Savea was expected to arrive in Nomuka at 12:00pm today while VOEA  Pangai left Neiafu in the morning heading to Ha’apai Islands of Ha’ano and Mo’unga’one. Officers at the VOEAs will assess the situation of the disaster.

New Zealand sent an RNZAF aircraft to assist in the survey.

Hon Vaipulu said once NEMO received the assessment report which was expected for this evening government will do whatever  it needs to help the people of Ha’apai.

Some islands residents used social media to plea for help with some asking for tools such as chainsaw and bush knives.

Overseas assistance

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said, New Zealand aid is already helping with the immediate response effort following Cyclone Ian.

"An RNZAF P3 Orion arrived in Tonga this morning to assist with aerial assessments following Tropical Cyclone Ian. We will also make $50,000 immediately available to respond to specific requests for assistance,'' Mr McCully said.

Oxfam New Zealand has also  announced that it is expecting to send emergency staff to Tonga to assess the situation on the ground, and identify the most urgent needs.

Carlos Calderon, Pacific Humanitarian Manager for Oxfam, says: “Once the urgent needs are assessed we are expecting to help coordinate the supply of clean water and sanitation for those affected by the disaster.”

Cyclone warning for Ha’apai cancelled

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga Met Services said 8:00pm the hurricane warning previously inforce for the Haapai group is now cancelled.

Severe tropical cyclone Ian category 5 was located near 20 decimal 4 South 173 decimal 8 west or 90km east-southeast of fonoifua or 165km east-northeast of tongatapu at 6:00pm.

Tropical cyclone Ian has estimated winds of 110kt near its centre with momentary gusts up to 155knots.the cyclone is moving south-southeast at 10kt.

The gale warning peviously in force for the Vava'u group is now cancelled.

A gale warning remains in force for the Ha'apai group, Tongatapu and 'Eua.

A strong wind warning remains inforce for the Vava'u group.

A damaging heavy swell advisory remains inforce for coastal waters of Tongatapu, eua and Ha'apai group.

A heavy rain advisory remains in force for Ha'apai groups.

On its current track, tropical cyclone Ian may bring:

Damaging gale force winds to Tongatapu, 'Eua and Ha'apai group this evening

Cyclone Ian strikes Ha’apai one casualty reported

By
Kalino Latu
-

[lastupdated]

 

Tonga Met Services said at 3:30pm today  Cyclone Ian  is moving south-southeast at 8kt and on this track it affected  the Ha'apai  Group and expected to continue in the next few hours.

Tongan local media report said telephone communication to outer islands had been cut off.

The radio FM89.5 report said the sea surged inland ravaging the new Fire Station building and the Tokaikolo Church in Pangai.

One woman was reported to have been injured in the cyclone the radio said.

The radio said they have yet to confirm the information.

Radio & Television Tonga report said electric power restored to most part of Vava'u.

Tonga Met Services says, on its current track tropical cyclone Ian may bring very destructive hurricane force winds to the Ha'apai group from now until later today and damaging gale force winds to Vavau until later today.

For Tongatapu and ‘Eua the cyclone may bring damaging gale force winds in the next 6hrs..

Cyclone Ian: funeral service postponed

By
Kalino Latu
-

Cyclone Ian has been scaled down to category 4 but bad luck on the mango and breadfruit seasons as the cyclone has blown them down with a local reporter said “nothing left”.

Severe tropical cyclone Ian that was previously a category 5 system and expected to bear down in Vava’u in the last 6hrs has been cancelled with Tonga Met Services said people should still stay alert.  

The strong wind warning previously inforce for Niuatoputapu and Tafahi is now cancelled, said Tonga Med Services at 3:30pm today.

Moving north-northeast towards Fakakakai in the Ha’apai group, Cyclone Ian is expected to lie at about 20 km at 1pm today.

At the village of Longomapu in Vava’u people evacuated and moved to the  Free Wesleyan Church Hall as well as the Mormon Church buildings while heavy rain fell, Radio FM 89.5FM reported.

A  burial ceremony for a funeral supposed  to be buried  today was postponed because of the cyclone's damages.

Embalming is not available in the island and there is also no mortuary.

Kepuloni Savou from Ha’alaufuli Vava’u told the radio people moved to village’s hall and Mormon Church buildings.

Roofs were damaged and trees uprooted, he said.

The Tongan government announced a state of emergency for Vava'u and Ha'apai this morning .

Meanwhile  Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand issued a statement saying it is preparing to support Caritas Tonga's response to the cyclone.

And Oxfam is liaising with the Tongan Red Cross to prepare for an appropriate and coordinated response if required.

Oxfam New Zealand said it is expecting to send emergency staff to Tonga to assess the situation on the ground, and identify the most urgent needs.

Carlos Calderon, Pacific Humanitarian Manager for Oxfam New Zealand, says: "Once the urgent needs are assessed we are expecting to help coordinate the supply of clean water and sanitation for those affected by the disaster."

Hurricane warning for Vava’u cancelled

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga Met Services said this afternoon at 1:00pm the hurricane  warning previously in force for the Vava'u group is now cancelled but  remains inforce for the Haapai groups.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ian category 4 is now moving south-southeast at 6knots and on this track it is expected  to cross over the Ha'apai group in the next few hours.

On its current track, Vava'u is still warned however that Tropical Cyclone Ian may bring a very destructive hurricance force winds from now until later today.

For Tongatapu and Eua the cyclone may bring damaging gale force winds in the next 6-12hrs

A heavy rain advisory remains in force for the Vava'u and ha'apai groups.

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