Tongan officials said Monday that 300 to 400 families had their homes severely damaged or destroyed in a powerful storm but they are relieved the death toll hasn't risen beyond one, AP reported. Director of Emergencies Leveni Aho said it's "almost unbelievable" there weren't more fatalities given the devastation caused by Cyclone Ian, which pummeled the South Pacific archipelago with gusts up to 287 kilometers (178 miles) per hour on Saturday. Worst hit was the Ha'apai island group, home to 8,000 people. News site Matangi Tonga reported that Kalolaine Paongo, 51, was killed on the island of Lifuka after she was cut on the leg by a piece of roofing iron during the cyclone and later died in a hospital. Aho said several people suffered moderate injuries but none were life threatening.
