Australia and New Zealand both aid Tonga

Australia and New Zealand are both providing emergency humanitarian assistance to help the people of Tonga, following Tropical Cyclone Gita.

CAPTION: A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules in front of a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster at Fuaamotu International Airport, Tonga. NZDF photo.

Australia has released humanitarian supplies, including tarpaulins and water purification tablets, through the Tongan Red Cross.

A Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster delivered emergency-relief supplies and first-response personnel, including two civilian humanitarian specialists, to Tonga yesterday.

Meanwhile, a second Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules has taken 12 more tonnes of aid and disaster-relief supplies to Tonga today.

Supplies include 200 agriculture tool kits, 500 family hygiene kits, 1050 10-litre collapsible water containers, 1010 tarpaulins, 10 petrol generators, 10 diesel generators and 20 chainsaw packs.

 

 

Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Air Commodore Kevin McEvoy said, “We hope that these supplies will help address the basic needs for power, water and sanitation for those affected by the cyclone”.

“There is also equipment to clear fallen trees,” Air Commodore McEvoy said.

“We continue to work with MFAT (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and stand ready to provide further assistance as required.”

The NZDF flew 12 tonnes of emergency supplies and a 10-member initial assessment team led by MFAT to Tonga on Tuesday and an RNZAF P-3K2 Orion also conducted an aerial survey of Tongatapu and the neighbouring island of Eua.

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