tents

The Tonga Red Cross confirmed this after providing the families with tents after distributing relief packages in the island.

The organisation has confirmed that they carried out briefed assessment before the tents were approved.

It was reported that the houses of the affected families were severely damaged by the category 5 cyclone.

The families will be residing in the temporary tents until they receive assistance from the government.

Over 1000 homes were damaged or destroyed when the category 4 cyclone hit Tonga's main island of Tongatapu four days ago.

Graham Kenna of the National Emergency Management Office said the Tongan armed forces had done a fantastic job clearing roads.

He said people in the community were also clearing up rubbish and debris as quickly as possible.