18 Jan 2014

UNICEF wants emergency donations for Tonga

4:18 pm on 18 January 2014

United Nations agency, UNICEF, is asking for emergency donations to help victims of the cyclone that tore through Tonga last weekend.

Damage caused by Cyclone Ian to the Ha'apai island of Lifuka last month.

Damage caused by Cyclone Ian to the Ha'apai island of Lifuka last month. Photo: Tonga Daily News

The charity says children are among those most desperately in need.

Twelve schools have reported major damage from the cyclonic winds.

UNICEF says funds will go towards making sure those schools can re-open in time for the start of the term as well as provide emergency supplies like water tanks, purification tablets and hygiene kits.

UNICEF says about 2000 people are still living in evacuation centres after about 800 homes were destroyed.