cyclone assistance

Tonga supports Vanuatu’s disaster response efforts

The Government is also assisting Tongan students currently studying in Vanuatu by providing additional allowance to cope with additional expenses due to the cyclones.

A statement from the PM’s Office said the Government had received financial assistance from the Government of Vanuatu following the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai events in 2022 and the Tongan diaspora in Vanuatu also remitted financial assistance channeled through the Ministry of Finance following the HTHH events.

Tonga taskforce helps relief efforts in Fiji

Task Group 412 consists of 45 military personnel and four civilians from the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) and Tonga Red Cross, led by Commander Heiss Fonohema and Mafua Maka of NEMO.

Matangi Tonga reports they are based on two Tongan Navy vessels, the Pacific class patrol boat VOEA Pangai and VOEA Late, landing craft in support of Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office, at Vanua Balavu.

Commander Fonohema said water remained in critical demand and better shelters for the majority of the population are needed.

NZ commits NZD60,000 for immediate Cyclone Winston help

The money is to pay for a chartered flight from the capital Nuku’alofa to Vava’u once conditions permit, to support the Tonga National Emergency Management Office with technical assistance and to respond to other initiatives if necessary.

The flight would assess damage, deliver essential supplies such as tarpaulins, tents and mosquito nets, and deploy additional emergency personnel to Vava’u.