Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

World Video | Defence | Foreign Affairs | Natural Events | Trade | NZ in World News | NZ National News Video | NZ Regional News | Search

 

Cyclone Ian expected to hit Tonga: Oxfam poised to respond

Cyclone Ian expected to hit Tonga: Oxfam poised to respond

Oxfam New Zealand is ready to respond to cyclone Ian which is due to hit Tonga overnight. Ian is slow moving, which leads to greater destruction, and heavy rain, strong winds, high swells and flash flooding are expected.

The Fiji Met Service suggests the cyclone will pass by Vava'u (population 15,000) around midnight New Zealand time, and then Ha'apai (population 6,600) around midday New Zealand time, Saturday 11 January.

Oxfam is expecting to send emergency staff to Tonga to assess the situation on the ground, and identify the most urgent needs.

Carlos Calderon, Pacific Humanitarian Manager for Oxfam New Zealand, says: “Once the urgent needs are assessed we are expecting to help coordinate the supply of clean water and sanitation for those affected by the disaster.”

Oxfam, along with its partner The Tongan National Youth Congress (TNYC), has virgin coconut oil programmes in both Vava’u and Ha’apai. Oxfam is liaising with TNYC and the Tongan Red Cross to prepare for an appropriate and coordinated response.


- ENDS -

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
World Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.