Tonga escapes with single death after cyclone destroys hundreds of homes

Tongan officials said today that 300 to 400 families had their homes severely damaged or destroyed in a powerful storm but they are relieved that the death toll has not risen beyond one.

Director of Emergencies Leveni Aho said it is “almost unbelievable” there were not more fatalities given the devastation caused by Cyclone Ian, which pummelled the South Pacific archipelago with gusts up to 178mph (287kph) on Saturday.