Tonga is already rebuilding amid the devastation of a double whammy of natural disasters, according to the Red Cross.
Digicel Tonga’s technical team working on satellite link equipment to restore internet connection Photo: Digicel Tonga
Tonga Red Cross staff and volunteers have been assisting people from the moment the tsunami alert was triggered, and are ramping up the delivery of drinking water, temporary shelters and other critical relief supplies across the country.
Tonga Red Cross secretary general Sione Taumoefolau said its teams were using boat and trucks to take vital items to communities in need of the basic necessities.
Shelter was a top priority for families whose homes had been wiped out, he said.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian response into Tonga has been described as well a handled process, almost two weeks on from the eruption and tsunami.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has been helping to meet immediate needs, with a response coordinaton based in Fiji.
WHO representative to the South Pacific Mark Jacobs said all of the supplies were being sent in contactless fashion.
"The response seems to be going well and it seems to be Tongan government lead. It's been very active and well co-ordinated. Things like water supplies, food and communication supplies all sorts of things like that.. the supplies to be handed over in a way that doesn't expose people to Covid," he said.
Jacobs said there was not currently a need to send additional people to Tonga.
UK, China and Japan all helping out
A British naval ship, the HMS Spey, has arrived in Tonga where her crew have unloaded disaster relief.
The vessel delivered 30,000 litres of bottled water, medical supplies for over 300 first aid kits, PPE, and basic sanitation and baby products.
The aid is being collected at a logistics hub as part of international aid efforts.
The supplies are then coordinated and will be moved to the most affected islands.
Digicel Tonga’s technical team working on satellite link equipment to restore internet connection Photo: Digicel Tonga
The UK government said HMS Spey would continue to work closely with the New Zealand and Australian navies to coordinate relief efforts with the Tongan authorities and the British High Commission.
HMS Spey has returned to sea but remains in the waters of Tonga, ready to help where needed.
China has announced additional support for Tonga.
The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand said the assistance included relief supplies of drinking water, food, generators, water pumps and chainsaws, which were being shipped to Tonga today.
A spokesperson also said it would provide money for Tonga.
Pacific Islands Forum secretary general Henry Puna said member nations were standing by to support Tonga in whatever way they can.
Japan's first batch of emergency relief assistance has been received by the Kingdom.
Japan has provided $US1 million to Tonga through international agencies for the recent disaster of the volcano eruption.
Meanwhile, a plane carrying water and supplies landed last week and vessels carrying water tanks arrive in two weeks time.
Embassy of Japan ambassador in New Zealand Ito Koichi said it was important Tonga was supported, and Japan was ready to provide further help.
"When the Japanese aeroplane arrived at the airport (the) Tongan Prime Minister was so glad. He sent a message to the Japanese people - a friend in need is a friend indeed."
Puna announced a Blue Pacific fundraising Campaign for Tonga which was open to all forum member countries, various agencies and development partners and will run until 25 February.
Puna said he understood Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, his government and the people of Tonga were still coming to grips with the extent of the disaster, but he wanted to reassure them the forum was ready to help.
"We are family, we're here ready and eager to help and please anything we can do let us know we are more than prepared to step in and help."
