Salvation Army takes in cyclone refugees

18 Feb 2010

The Salvation Army in Tonga was left largely unscathed after Tropical Cyclone Rene pounded the Kingdom recently.

Across Tonga, Salvation Army halls and quarters became havens for 25 families displaced by the cyclone.

Winds of up to 230 kph knocked out power and phone lines, flattened plantations, blocked roads and damaged houses, according to early reports. No deaths have been reported.

Regional Commander Major Rex Johnson says some officers’ homes were damaged but Salvation Army property was left largely unscathed, apart from wrecked signage and minor damage to buildings.

“We would just like to thank everyone for their prayers over this time,” he says.