Tonga: Cyclone Hina [DHA-01: 17-Mar-97]

                      United Nations
            Department of Humanitarian Affairs

                    Tonga - Cyclone Hina
                DHA Situation Report No. 1
                       17 March 1997


1. The DHA South Pacific Programme Office (SPPO) located in
Suva, Fiji, reports that tropical cyclone Hina hit the Tongan
Islands during the afternoon of Sunday, 16 March 1997, with the
eye of the cyclone passing directly over the capital Nuku'Alofa.
The strongest winds of the cyclone struck the capital at around
20.15 hrs local time, with gusts of 80 knots being recorded.

2. According to preliminary information from national
disaster management officials, the main island of Tong'Tapu
was worst affected. Severe damage to power lines and
telephone systems occurred. Most damage to buildings was
caused by falling trees.  Nuku'Alofa did not receive a
great deal of structural damage, however, the villages to
the east of the capital are reported to be severely
affected. Early indications are that restoration of power
will take until the end of the week, and even longer in
some locations.

3. The National Disaster Council met at 11.00 hrs today, 17
March 1997, and will meet again at 14.00 hrs tomorrow to
decide whether a state of emergency will be declared.
Assessment teams are currently deployed and a first report
on the situation in the worst affected areas is expected by
tomorrow. The Chairman of the National Disaster Council
will report to Cabinet on Wednesday, 19 March, and
subsequently donors will be advised if international
assistance is required.

4. DHA Geneva is in close contact with SPPO and the DHA/
UNDP Resident Representative in Suva, and will revert with
further information as it becomes available.


Telephone number: +41-22-917-1234
In case of emergency only: tel. +41-22-917-2010
Desk  Officer:  Ms.  S. Metzner-Strack, direct tel: +41-22-
917-2144/3200
Press  to  contact: Ms. M. Moulin-Acevedo, direct tel: +41-
22-917-2856
Telex: 414242 dha ch
Fax: +41-22-917-0023
E-mail: dhagva@dha.unicc.org




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