News Release

Students and Misssionaries Continue Tonga Clean Up After Cyclone Gita

Cyclone Gita has done extensive damage to the campus of Liahona High School. The school, established in 1948, is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

               

Though school has been canceled, students are busy cleaning and mopping up wet floors. It is hoped that classes will resume next week.

                  

Missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have stepped in to assist in the clearing of roads. They are also helping with cleaning, chainsaw cutting, and other needed work.

Many of the buildings throughout Tonga, including campus buildings, sustained significant damage. Three hundred tarps, along with chainsaws and other clean up tools, have been distributed throughout the communities.  Efforts are underway to procure more tarps from New Zealand.

                

Though power is out in most places, generators are operating at the Liahona school to provide needed support for the cleanup.

According to Hans Sorensen, Pacific Area Welfare Manager, many shops and businesses remain closed. Only those that have generators are open. Hotels and restaurants are also closed due to lack of electricity.

“There is much cleanup still to do but a lot has been done by people and communities just pitching in and doing it.”

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.