Heartwarming video: Tongan residents pray and sing in church as Cyclone Gita bears down

While many Tongans are bracing for the full force of Cyclone Gita, some are waiting out the storm through prayer and song.

Several residents taking refuge in a church were singing as they waited for the storm to hit in a video posted on social media tonight.

Ariana Pupua, who posted the video, said they were "awaiting the cyclone with praise and worship."

"Jesus you are in control," she said.

The view from Himawari-8 of Tropical Cyclone Gita as it approaches Tonga. #TCGita pic.twitter.com/fua4g6PuUz

— Andrew Miskelly (@andrewmiskelly) February 12, 2018

The 10 or so people in the video were seen sitting and laying on mattresses while singing with glorious voices inside the church.

The video had already accumulated 1800 likes and over 1500 shares on Facebook.

Mary-Anne Lo commented: "That was so so good! Thinking of you all Tonga during this time. Ofa atu, stay safe fam."

While Melina Nouata said: "I love the tongan language... Beautiful song. God Bless everyone, especially Tonga and Samoa."

Tonga is nervously waiting for a direct hit from Tropical Cyclone Gita - which is forecast to become a category 5 storm.

Tropical Cyclone Gita was due to make landfall about 7pm (local time is the same as NZT). It has strengthened overnight and is forecast to strike Tonga.

The Tongan police have imposed a curfew in the Nuku'alofa central business district from 9pm to 7am Tuesday. Only emergency situations could break the curfew.

A state of emergency has been declared in the island kingdom and it is thought the cyclone will be the strongest storm ever to hit Tonga in its recorded history.

New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is advising against all tourist and non-essential travel to Tonga.

"There is a high risk to your safety in Tonga due to Tropical Cyclone Gita and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel,'' a statement said.

New Zealand aid agencies and groups are gearing up to help the people of Tonga, as the island nation prepares for a direct cyclone hit.