Lives could have collapsed just like the roofs of so many buildings after Cyclone Gita hit the Kingdom of Tonga. But Tongans are a resilient people.
Homes and businesses aren't the only structures to suffer at the hands of the storm. Churches also suffered serious damage.
Many have been saddened by the structural damage to churches throughout the country.
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Christian beliefs are fundamental to most Tongans and many were observed attending their church services despite the destruction surrounding them.
An article in stuff.co.nz quoted Mormon rugby player, Sione Tukuafu, "The sight of any damaged church was an emotional ordeal for my highly religious countrymen."
"I don't know how to explain, but it hurts us," he said. "I walk past them every day now and feel pretty sad."
Read more of the article here.