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Tongan prisoners are serving their sentences extramurally after their prison was destroyed by last week's tsunami.
Niuatoputapu at Tonga's northern extreme was hit hard, with 90 per cent of the island's infrastructure destroyed and nine people killed.
Government spokesman Alfred Soakai said the extramural sentences would continue until decisions were made about rebuilding the island's facilities.
"The good news is that the prisoners are okay, but the bad news is that the prison is destroyed. They're under supervision, though."
Extra wardens and police had been sent north from Tongatapu to help two wardens already stationed on the island.
It was not known if the prisoners were low- or high-level security risks, but it was possible they might help with the clean-up, Mr Soakai said.
Meanwhile, critically injured islanders who were flown to Nukualofa for treatment were slowly improving, said Vaiola Hospital's medical director, Dr Toa Fakakovi.
Seven people, including a 4-year-old boy and his mother, were recovering from infected wounds, soft tissue injuries and fractures.
They were all in satisfactory physical condition but were still showing signs of their ordeal, Dr Fakakovi said. "A lot of them are still in a state of shock and trauma."
Construction of tent homes was continuing in Falehau and Vaipoa but work in Hihifo village has been delayed because it is still unsafe for human habitation.
Classes resume for schoolchildren today but teachers need basic supplies for children whose homes were destroyed.
How you can help
Pacific Cooperation Foundation
Deposits can be made at at any Westpac branch. All the money raised will go to the Samoan Government
Red Cross
- Make a secure online donation at redcross.org.nz
- Send cheques to the Samoan Red Cross Fund, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144
- Call 0900 31 100 to make an automatic $20 donation
- Make a donation at any NZ Red Cross office
ANZ bank - Make a donation at any ANZ bank branch, or donate directly to the ANZ appeal account: 01 1839 0143546 00
Oxfam
- Make a secure online donation at Oxfam.org.nz
- Phone 0800 400 666 or make an automatic $20 donation by calling 0900 600 20
Caritas
- Make a secure online donation at Caritas.org.nz
- Phone 0800 22 10 22 or make an automatic $20 donation by calling 0900 4 11 11
TEAR fund
- Make a secure online donation at tearfund.co.nz
- Phone 0800 800 777 to specify Samoa the Philippines or Indonesia. You can also donate at CD and DVD stores.
Mercury Energy - Donate online at www.mercury.co.nz by texting the word Samoa, the amount you wish to pledge and your Mercury account number to 515 or by calling 0800 10 18 10.
Habitat for Humanity - Habitat for Humanity is asking for help with the clean-up. Contact the organisation at www.habitat.org.nz
