Tonga’s King Tupou VI has emphasized the need for everyone to work together follow instructions from government managing bodies to help rebuild after the devastation by Cyclone Gita.
In his royal address to the kingdom, King Tupou said the normal procedure for him is to receive information before and after a severe tropical cyclone.
Radio Tonga reports this time he listened together with everyone else in the country to the information provided by radio stations.
King Tupou said he waited until the roads were cleared of branches and debris before he toured the eastern villages on Wednesday, and yesterday he visited the central districts eastern villages of Popua, and Patangata and Nuku'alofa.
He then thanked the almighty God for although it was a very big storm, there was no casualty, but damage was inflicted on dwelling houses, businesses as well as agricultural produce.
King Tupou acknowledged the importance of obedience and following the instructions from the various arms of the government disaster management team, which helped reduce any other risks to heighten the current situation.
He said Tropical Cyclone Gita flattened dwelling houses, meeting houses, uprooted trees and created chaos.
Gita also crushed the walls of division and differences while love and helping each other were exalted by the mighty power of Gita. Love, is a shining treasure.
King Tupou thanked everyone who showed and received love during the height of Cyclone Gita.
Love he said, is patient and kind. Love does not envy or boast.
When a disaster strikes, the first help should come from us and we should not sit and wait for help but stand up ourselves to help save a life, clear the pathways and roads for easy travel.
The king acknowledged the arrival of first assistance from foreign countries to commence the reconstruction and rehabilitation process.
Government's disaster management team requires assistance to distribute the assistance to the worst affected victims of Gita.
King Tupou referred to Tongans faith in God being tested in times of disaster and ruin, as they witness face to face people who suffer with no hope at all, but they are encouraged by the words of Psalm 46.." God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble". The secret of a peaceful heart and justification he said, is in verses 7 & 10.... The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. He says... "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
King Tupou VI urged his people to work together to rebuild Tonga and make use of every opportunity of the life Tongans have to give for their nation.
