Disaster relief assistance

USS Sampson supports disaster relief efforts in Tonga with international forces

Sampson, a U.S. Navy destroyer, along with its embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopters assigned to the "Scorpions" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49 are positioned to conduct lifesaving actions in support of disaster relief efforts in Tonga.

The ship is operating in support of international relief efforts in Tonga.

The Australian Government response is being coordinated closely with France and New Zealand under the FRANZ partnership, alongside Fiji, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States to assist Tonga in its time of need.

China provides disaster relief assistance to Tonga

The fund will assist in rehabilitation following the devastation of Cyclone Gita on Tongatapu and Eua earlier this week.

China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi sent a message to Prime Minister, a day after Cyclone Gita hit Tonga extending heartfelt sympathy to the Government and people of Tonga, vowing that China is ready to provide emergency disaster relief assistance within its capacity, and believing that with the joint efforts of the Tongan government and people, Tonga will be able to overcome the disaster and rebuild the country.