Australia has announced an additional $10.5 million package of support to assist Tonga's recovery and reconstruction efforts following the cyclone.
The additional package of assistance will help restore community infrastructure such as schools and water supplies, and support farmers whose crops were devastated.
Tropical Cyclone Gita hit Tonga on 12 February, damaging almost 4,000 houses and leaving 60,000 people without power.
The first Australian Defence Force flight arrived within 24 hours of the cyclone hitting Tonga.
A statement from Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop said since then Australia has delivered over 135 tonnes of vital Australian and partner humanitarian supplies such as kitchen goods, emergency shelters, and hygiene and dengue-testing kits.
“We have observed the positive impact of Australia's assistance, including the outstanding work of electrical lines technicians made available by Australian energy companies.”
“Australian technicians, working alongside counterparts from Tonga and New Zealand, have played a critical role in restoring power to more than 90 per cent of affected premises. In February, Tongan authorities estimated that without external assistance restoration of power would take up to three months. Working together over five weeks, this job is now nearly complete,” the statement said.
The new package of assistance announced today brings the total value of Australian support to assist Tonga's recovery following Tropical Cyclone Gita to $14 million.
Photo Twitter Julie Bishop