Violent Storm In

Tonga

Three People Killed: Much Damage

A WHIRLWIND of such severity that some describe it as a cyclone swept through the village of Malapo, on Tongatabu, Tonga, at 4 a.m. on July 20.

All the houses in the village were de stroyed, and three people, a man, and a woman and her daughter, were killed.

Similar whirlwinds, about the same time, visited the islands of Foa, in the Haapai Group, and Tanga, in Vavau Group. Most of the houses, and many trees, were blown down in those islands, but no lives were lost.

Malapo is situated on the lagoon, about 9 miles eastward of Nukualofa.

The latter town was visited by an ex traordinary electrical disturbance, with a rainstorm which continued until day light. The people were terror-stricken by the almost continuous lightning and thunder.

Top: The roof of a large meeting-house, which was lifted up and carried 50 yards.

Second: The Wesleyan Church at Malapo Vil lage, after the whirlwind had finished with it.

Third: All that remained of a large Tongan house at Malapo.

Lower: Remains of a house. A woman and her daughter were lying in bed when their house collapsed. They were found, after wards, several yards away, where they had been thrown by the wind. Both died from injuries received. —Photos, by Hettig.