Cyclone Gita, a Category 4 storm, hit Tonga on 12 February after causing widespread damage in the neighbouring island of Samoa. The eye of the storm passed over Tongatapu island, the most populous island group in Tonga, causing one fatalitly and injuring 33.
The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) reported that 79% of the population had been affected, and confirmed Gita as the strongest storm to his the islands on record. Over 100 evacuation centres were prepared to house over 4500 evacuees as the Tongan government declared a state of emergency.
Gita caused extensive flooding in low lying, coastal and river areas around Savai'I and Upolu and further widesread flooding in the Vaisigano catchment area with thousands of properties being damaged.
The storm affected Tonga's power supply, with authorities confirming that Tongatapu was without power after winds exceeding 190 mph damaged infrastructure, leaving hospitals only remaining operational through generators.
By the 15 February the storm moved south-southwest away from Tonga heading towards New Caledonia.
