The director of Tonga's National Emergency Office says most people in the northern Ha'apai islands devastated by Cyclone Ian over the weekend now have temporary shelter and emergency supplies.
Leveni Aho says though people are suffering they are back on the street and welcoming those who have come over from the main island of Tongatapu to help.
Annell Husband reports.
"The category five storm ripped houses from their foundations and flattened the fruit crops, leaving the Ha'apai Island group's eight-thousand strong population almost wholly dependent on imported food supplies.
Mr Aho says people should dig up their root crops, to help keep them going for a couple of weeks before the vegetables start to rot.
Mr Aho says the pumped water supply on the island of Lifuka has been restored and he has assurance it is safe to drink.
But he says on the other five islands most badly affected where there is no reticulation - Foa, Ha'ano, Mo'unga'one and 'Uiha - water from tanks must be tested and purified as well as boiled before drinking.
Aid groups predict it could be years before life on the islands returns to normal and are urging people who want to help to donate money rather than food or clothing."
