Australia provides immediate assistance to support Tonga after TC Harold Featured
15 April, 2020. Australia stands with our Pacific family as the devastation of Cyclone Harold becomes clear.
This destructive cyclone has impacted the people of Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga and has resulted in tragic loss of life in Solomon Islands.
Australia has provided immediate assistance of AUD100, 000 to support Tonga’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) with procurement of essential supplies for those impacted by TC Harold.
The Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Adrian Morrison, praised the hardworking Tongan response agencies and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) that Australia is working with to support those in need after Cyclone Harold.
These organisations include Caritas, MORDI Tonga Trust and the Tongan Red Cross Society.
“We welcome their ongoing work to provide much-needed emergency hygiene kits, water, shelter and other essential items for those impacted.”
Australia stands ready to provide additional assistance to the NGO sector in Tonga, including efforts to ensure timely re-supply of humanitarian needs, where requested.
In the medium to long term, Tonga will need assistance to rebuild its badly-damaged agriculture and tourism sectors and with repair of vital infrastructure.
In responding to Cyclone Harold, Australia is working in partnership with Pacific island governments, the Red Cross, United Nations agencies and NGOs.
Through the FRANZ trilateral disaster relief arrangement, Australia is also working with New Zealand and France to support relief efforts to affected countries.
