12th March, 2019 TONGAN The CEO for MEIDECC Mr. Paula Ma’u together with NEMO staff welcomed the Australian Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific Senator, the Honorable Anne Ruston to NEMO’s office this morning.
Mr. Ma’u said, “We are still working in the aftermath and recovery from Tropical Cyclone Gita. We are very grateful for all the assistance we received from the Australian Government and other agencies which totaled TOP$136 million cash and in-kind assistance.”
He also highlighted the assistance from the Australian government towards TC Gita relief including the seven Australian Defence Force flights that transported 135 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, technical teams, five large electricity generators, protection services, WASH and early recovery support and AUD$7 million pledged to assist school recovery.
The Acting Director for NEMO and staff also outlined the general responsibilities, activities and functions of the National Emergency Coordination Centre.
The visit is part of the Australian government ongoing initiative to further strengthen its relationship with partners in the Pacific region. Accompanied Honorable Minister Ruston was the designated Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Mr. Adrian Morrison, the Deputy High Commissioner Ms. Rhona McPhee staff members from the Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade office in Tonga.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.