Pacific Humanitarian Team ready to support Tongan Government response

(Suva, 14 January 2014): The Pacific Humanitarian Team (PHT) stands ready to support the Government of Tonga following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Ian.

A meeting was convened with PHT members and donor partners yesterday to determine the resources and capacity available should the Government welcome additional support.

“We extend our heartfelt solidarity with the people of Tonga and assure our readiness to support the response and early recovery process,” said Ms Osnat Lubrani, UN Resident Coordinator in Fiji and co-chair of the PHT. “Pacific Humanitarian Team partners stand ready to support the Government’s leadership in responding to this disaster.”

Tropical Cyclone Ian made landfall on 11 January and caused extensive damage and destruction to houses, infrastructure and agriculture, mainly in the northeastern islands of Ha’apai. With the extent of damage coming out in initial assessments, it is going to be months, and even years, before communities can recover.

“Using PHT resources is a more regional form of support and does not need to be activated through formal requests for international assistance,” explained Mr Sune Gudnitz, Head of OCHA Regional Office for the Pacific.

“The PHT belongs to national disaster management authorities across the Pacific region with whom we have a close relationship.” The PHT is a partnership of UN agencies, regional and bilateral organizations, national and international non-government organizations, faith- and community based organizations and donor partners that come together to support 14 Pacific Island countries in times of disaster.

PHT members have general coordination and sector expertise across shelter, water and sanitation, food security, early recovery, and the protection of vulnerable groups.

Assistance can also be provided in the form of cash grants to support immediate response efforts.
Mr Gudnitz also praised the work of the Government to build preparedness and community awareness before the cyclone made landfall, likely to have reduced the loss of life and casualties.

“There has been a very low fatality rate and credit must be given to the Government, village leaders and people of Tonga who know what to do during such events, which is what preparedness is all about.”

For further information, please contact:
Elisabeth McLeod, Public Information Officer, mcleode@un.org, Tel. +679 331 7326, Mobile: +679-999 1423
OCHA Regional Office for the Pacific press releases are available at www.unocha.org/rop/ or www.reliefweb.int.