The New Zealand Government yesterday committed NZD60,000 to Tonga to immediately assist with Cyclone Winston response, NZ High Commissioner in Tonga, Sarah Walsh said today.
The money is to pay for a chartered flight from the capital Nuku’alofa to Vava’u once conditions permit, to support the Tonga National Emergency Management Office with technical assistance and to respond to other initiatives if necessary.
The flight would assess damage, deliver essential supplies such as tarpaulins, tents and mosquito nets, and deploy additional emergency personnel to Vava’u.
“New Zealand will continue to monitor the situation and stands ready to provide further assistance if required,” Ms Walsh said.
“Tonga and New Zealand have a very close relationship and many ties, and the thoughts of New Zealanders are with the people of Tonga at this time.”
