The fear that communication would be cut off as Tropical Cyclone Ian hit Vava’u, members of the Tongan community here, sent prayers and messages to family members on the island.
Secretary of the Tongan Community Committee in Fiji Eleni Tevi said Tongans here will continue to closely monitor the situation back home, as Cyclone Ian leaves Vava’u and now batters the island of Ha’apai.
Tevi said the impact is being felt more on Ha’apai as Tropical Cyclone Ian has cut off all communication.
This Thursday a meeting is also being planned where Tongans living here will assess the impact of the Cyclone and decide on what assistance needs to be given.
Meanwhile, according to the Australian Network News a state of emergency remains in place as Cyclone Ian now lashes the island of Ha’apai.
The cyclone had been rated a category five, but was downgraded to a category four early today.
However the storm, which has recorded winds of up to 200 kilometres per hour, remains incredibly fierce.
Tonga’s National Emergency Management Office Director Leveni Aho told Radio Australia there are no reports of death or injury at this stage, and only sporadic reports of structural damage.
For Fiji the strong wind warning still remains in force till tomorrow for Vatu-I-Ra passage, Koro Sea and Lau Waters.
Seas will be rough with moderate to heavy southerly swell.
Story by: Gwen McGoon
