Tonga's government has declared a state of emergency as the country prepares for Cyclone Gita to hit tonight.
In a statement the Acting Prime Minister Semisi Sika said due to destructive force winds and sea rises associated with the category four storm, it was necessary for emergency powers to be exercised in order to prevent or minimise loss of life or injury and damage to property and the environment.
The storm is forecast to be closest to the main island of Tongatapu at around midnight.
A massive clean up is also underway across Samoa and American Samoa after they bore the brunt of the cyclone at the weekend.
Some parts of Samoa are still flooded as emergency teams work to restore power and running water to thousands of households.
Schools have been closed.
(Source: www.radionz.com)
