(CU)_Tonga recently experienced what has been described as a once-in-a-millennium event, as the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai Volcano erupted, triggering tsunami waves that demolished large parts of the coastlines of the archipelago. A press statement issued by the government said that three people have been confirmed dead, while communications was knocked out for nation of just over 100,000 people and water supply has also been severely compromised across the country, as a result of the volcanic ashfall.
Following the disasters, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland expressed her sincere condolences for the lives that were lost and reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s willingness to offer maximum assistance to Tonga.
“I wish to convey by deepest condolences to the families of those whose lives were lost in this catastrophe. The strength of the Commonwealth has always been in our solidarity especially in difficult times like this. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family, the Government, and the people of Tonga. We are confident that the resilience and determination of Tongan people will carry them through this catastrophe,” she said. “The Commonwealth is committed to working with the Government of Tonga to identify priority needs and concerns and provide appropriate support where possible.”
Meanwhile, fellow Commonwealth nations have also been quick to assist the South Pacific archipelago, with neighbouring Australia and New Zealand having deployed navy ships laden with disaster relief supplies. The Australian government said on Wednesday that it intends to provide an additional humanitarian funding of A$2 million to Tonga, bringing Australia’s commitment to date to $3 million. It added that assistance from the Trans-Tasman nation will include the restoration of power and communications, in addition to the storage and delivery of relief supplies.
Meanwhile, a ‘rapid response’ team has been initiated by the Commonwealth Secretariat in order to look at areas of potential support. This is not limited to response to the immediate crisis, as it may also consider long-term strategies to manage disaster risk through platforms like the Commonwealth Disaster Risk Finance Portal.
