Up to 70% of Tongans are reeling from Cyclone Gita. Here's how you can help
Tuesday, 13 February 2018
Tropical cyclone Gita has affected up to 70 per cent of the population in the worst storm to hit the country in decades, according to Oxfam.
About 50,000 people, a third of whom were children, were impacted in the storm that destroyed homes, government buildings and churches.
Oxfam's country director for Tonga, Jane Foster, said she had heard about a man sheltering with his family as part of their home ripped away before their eyes.
'Homes have been destroyed, government buildings flattened, and churches devastated,' she said.
**READ MORE:
* Live: Tropical Cyclone Gita smashes Tonga
* Cyclone Gita: Full coverage**
Water supplies were significantly damaged across Tongatapu, the main Tongan island, Foster said.
'The risk of contamination is high. There is a real risk of a second disaster from water and mosquito borne illnesses like dengue,' she said.
An outbreak of dengue fever was already an issue in Tonga before the storm hit.
'The impact of this severe storm will be felt on many people's livelihoods for a long time to come,' Foster said.
Oxfam was yet to make contact with some communities in Tonga's outer islands, she said.
'Some of these islands that are going to be affected are extremely remote and hard to reach in the best of times. We hope that preparedness plans and evacuation centres keep people safe until support reaches them.'
Salvation Army churches have been providing shelter to Tongans and assisting with the clean-up.
Captain Sila Siufanga, regional commander for Tonga, said the Salvation Army was working with the government to help where most needed.
'We have opened our buildings to those that need shelter, we are doing what we can to help people clean up,' he said.
Graham Kenna of Tonga's National Emergency Office told RNZ every house in Nuku'alofa had been damaged.
Disaster relief agencies in New Zealand are still waiting to find out the full extent of the damage.
Here's how you can help from home:
THE NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS
The New Zealand Red Cross Pacific disaster relief fund ensures the Red Cross can respond quickly and efficiently to assist with the damage.
People can donate to the standing relief fund immediately.
Money donated can be released right away to help with the relief efforts, a spokeswoman for NZ Red Cross said.
Visit the Red Cross website here or contact 0800 RED CROSS. (733 2767)
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NEW ZEALAND
Habitat for Humanity are preparing a response for Tonga and have started an Emergency Response Disaster Fund.
Donate and help rebuild communities in Tonga here or contact your local branch here.
OXFAM
Oxfam's disaster relief work in the Pacific has provided clean water supply, sanitation, hygiene, and emergency food.
You can make a one-off donation to Oxfam's disaster response fund here or contact 0800 600 700.
SALVATION ARMY
A spokesman for the Salvation Army said staff in Tonga are helping with the clean up and housing families.
At least 11 families were being housed by the Salvation Army during the cyclone.
'We are working with the Tongan government and staff in Tonga to find out what the immediate and long-term needs are before an appeal is launched,' the spokesman said.
Keep an eye out here and on the Salvation Army Facebook page if you want to help.
GO FUND ME
A GoFundMe fundraising account 'Support for Tonga' has been set up by a Tongan expat.
FREE CHURCH OF TONGA
People in Auckland who want to make donations or drop off food can contact the Reverend Iveni Tomu at the Free Church of Tonga in Māngere on 09 376 462.
'Our Church will be helping out… we will be fundraising and sending that back to Tonga,' Isa Tomu said.
GIVEALITTLE:
Choose from this range of Givealittle pages set up to help Pacific communities affected by the cyclone.