Following the Tongan eruption Disaster Aid Australia monitored the available information.
As a small, Rotary based, charity we aim is to help smaller communities that the larger charities miss.
We are also focussed on efficient delivery of aid to maximise the benfits of donations. (This has become even more important with the reduction of income during the COVID pandemic)
With poor communcations, no ability for volunteers to travel, and no established partners we were reluctant to commit quickly.
Situation Report
We have recently received the following information:
Daily life goes on, but with the frustration of poor communication with the outside world.
There is no necessity for food and water being shipped in after the initial shipments were sent and there are now desalination plants operating.
Most residents across Tonga water harvest storage tank(s) and many residents removed downpipes into the tanks as soon as the warning went out which preserved the water that was in them.
Most goods and services are available in Tonga and local organisations are asking well-meaning people not to send container loads of “stuff”, but money to ensure the economy (local suppliers) does not suffer.
Conclusion
Disaster Aid Australia have decided we will be unlikely to add value to the Tongan situation and we will concentrate on other disasters where we can provide greater impact to affected communities, such as our current response following Typhoon Odette in the Philipinnes.
If you would like to help Disaster Aid Australia continue to deliver cost effective aid to communities.
DONATE
Charity donations of $2 or more to Disaster Aid Australia are tax-deductible in Australia.