CID Humanitarian
Tonga recovers from Cyclone Gita, with support from NZ NGOs and the NZ Government
March 16, 2018. Following Cyclone Gita last month, communities in Tonga and Samoa are still in the process of cleaning up and returning their lives to normal.
One critical part of the immediate support were the pre-positioned supplies that organisations had purchased in advance and stored locally.
“We were able to very quickly mobilise to distribute urgently needed supplies. So many people lost their homes and everything inside was damaged or blown away. Because we already had things like tarpaulins, water containers and hygiene kits in store ready for an emergency we were able to get these out to the those most in need in a short time” said Amelia Ma’afu, Acting Director of Caritas Tonga.
Today, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs has finalised funding of NZD1.4 million, for six important recovery projects in Tonga, and one in Samoa.
New Zealand NGOs are working with their local Tongan partners to help rebuild homes, to re-start growing food to eat and sell, and repair water and sanitation infrastructure. Children are also being helped to keep learning as damage to their schools is fixed.
It’s definitely a team effort, but together, Tongans and their Pacific neighbours will ensure the future of their resilient communities.
Amelia Ma’afu, Acting Director Caritas Tonga with relief items being delivered to families.
To donate to organisations responding to Cyclone Gita, please follow the links below:
Adventist Development Relief Organisation (ADRA) New Zealand
Habitat for Humanity Emergency Disaster Appeal for Cyclone Gita
Tearfund New Zealand Cyclone Gita Appeal
Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA)
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Oxfam New Zealand is also supporting the emergency response in Tonga
Slide photo: Josie Pagani, Council for International Development
