23 Aug 2004

Tonga hit by tornado

6:32 pm on 23 August 2004

A quick and strong tornado has struck three western villages on Tonga's main island.

The tornado damaged houses and two church halls in Ha'akame and Ha'alalo.

It also damaged trees and destroyed crops such as tapioca and banana.

A full damage assessment report is expected to be released by the National Disaster Committee tomorrow.