07th July 2016 The Defense Forces of Tonga, New Zealand, USA, France, China and one personnel from Britain are currently in Ha’apai conducting a humanitarian exercise. The exercise focuses on disaster relief operations in the Pacific led by the NZ Defense Force known as the Tropic Twilight 16.
Commander Brisbane Lokotui from His Majesty Armed Forces says defense forces contributed in providing aid after Cyclone Ian and they are now back to contribute to the island’s development.
“We are practicing together to respond effectively to natural disasters and other emergencies. They chose to return to Ha’apai and reconstruct some of the things that needs to be constructed. That includes building a new public toilet block and restoring water tanks at the Taufa’ahau Wharf at Pangai followed restoring water tanks for Faleloa, Lotofoa and the Department of Fire Service at Pangai.”
Commander Lokotui says the crew consists of a medical team and construction engineers.
“The medic team will also conduct a dental clinic, advices and mentoring for the public by talking about the effects of Non-Communicable Diseases.”
According to Commander Lokotui if the team will complete their mission within their designated time, they team will help with the construction of other buildings before leaving to Tongatapu on July 24th.
Lieutenant Colonel Josh Wineera of the NZ Defense Force is the leader of Tropic Twilight 16 and about 70 defense personnel makes up the team.
ENDS
Issued from the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications