Current state of Tonga Ha39apai after Cyclone Ian

pzleric07:08 UTC13 Jan 2014

Hello,
Having seen the terrible damage cause by the cyclone on Ha'apai, I was wondering if anyone had any more insight into just how bad the damage is over there, how are things affected, and how long it may take to somewhat recover.

I have plans (flights booked) to holiday in Ha'apai during early March, and am wondering if this is even possible anymore or if I should look to change my plans.

Also one thought that occurred to me is that if I do go ahead with my holiday in Ha'apai, how could I find opportunities to help out with the recovery?

Thanks in advance for any insight anyone can give on this situation.

hardnosethehighway21:23 UTC17 Jan 2014

They just got the phone lines back I suggest you contact your accommodation and ask them.

One thing I will say it's amazing how quickly people who live in tropical areas recover from disasters like this I think it has a lot to do with having seen it all in the past.

shaunpicto04:22 UTC24 Jan 2014

How did you get on? Any further updates?

Am also currently planning a trip to Tonga in April, so would appreciate an update.

pzleric05:06 UTC28 Jan 2014

No further updates unfortunately. I haven't been able to get a hold of Taiana's on Uoleva, though to be fair I've only tried to contact them via email and haven't tried the phone. If anyone else has any news, that would be welcome as well. I read an article a while back on http://matangitonga.to/ that said all tourism facilities on Ha'apai have been affected with Matafonua being the hardest hit, but they havent been able to get contact with those on Uoleva or other outer islands.

kitesurftonga08:45 UTC03 Feb 2014

Hey all

We have just been to Lifuka as we are in the throws of creating a small resort on the same island as Tiannas Resort- Uoleva island.

We are close friends with the family and visited Uoleva last week. Unfortunately for them and their guests, Tiannas is currently not operating after receiving devastating damage during the cyclone.
They are currently working hard with the various aid agencies and government departments for the necessary assistance to getting rebuilt as soon as possible.

If you need to contact them, best to call or text Finau on +676 8831722

Internet access is extremely limited.

Regards
Fanifo Lofa

Current state of Tonga / Ha'apai after Cyclone Ian Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
pzleric07:08 UTC13 Jan 2014	Hello, Having seen the terrible damage cause by the cyclone on Ha'apai, I was wondering if anyone had any more insight into just how bad the damage is over there, how are things affected, and how long it may take to somewhat recover. I have plans (flights booked) to holiday in Ha'apai during early March, and am wondering if this is even possible anymore or if I should look to change my plans. Also one thought that occurred to me is that if I do go ahead with my holiday in Ha'apai, how could I find opportunities to help out with the recovery? Thanks in advance for any insight anyone can give on this situation.
hardnosethehighway21:23 UTC17 Jan 2014	They just got the phone lines back I suggest you contact your accommodation and ask them. One thing I will say it's amazing how quickly people who live in tropical areas recover from disasters like this I think it has a lot to do with having seen it all in the past.	1
shaunpicto04:22 UTC24 Jan 2014	How did you get on? Any further updates? Am also currently planning a trip to Tonga in April, so would appreciate an update.	2
pzleric05:06 UTC28 Jan 2014	No further updates unfortunately. I haven't been able to get a hold of Taiana's on Uoleva, though to be fair I've only tried to contact them via email and haven't tried the phone. If anyone else has any news, that would be welcome as well. I read an article a while back on http://matangitonga.to/ that said all tourism facilities on Ha'apai have been affected with Matafonua being the hardest hit, but they havent been able to get contact with those on Uoleva or other outer islands.	3
kitesurftonga08:45 UTC03 Feb 2014	Hey all We have just been to Lifuka as we are in the throws of creating a small resort on the same island as Tiannas Resort- Uoleva island. We are close friends with the family and visited Uoleva last week. Unfortunately for them and their guests, Tiannas is currently not operating after receiving devastating damage during the cyclone. They are currently working hard with the various aid agencies and government departments for the necessary assistance to getting rebuilt as soon as possible. If you need to contact them, best to call or text Finau on +676 8831722 Internet access is extremely limited. Regards Fanifo Lofa	4

Current state of Tonga / Ha'apai after Cyclone Ian