Emergency Shelter Kits training [1]
Friday, September 9, 2016 - 05:20. Updated on Monday, August 17, 2020 - 18:19.
Twenty-five participants joined an Emergency Shelter Kits Training from September 7-9 in Nuku'alofa aimed to build capacity on the use of emergency shelter during emergencies, disasters and recovery period.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), Tonga Red Cross conducted the training, which includes shelter tool kits and tarpaulins aimed primarily for distribution to families to meet their shelter needs in emergency and recovery. In a statement the Red Cross said it is important to build capacity of National Societies on the use of emergency shelter and kit with training.
“The objective is to conduct Emergency Shelter Tool Kit training for staff and branch volunteers of Tonga Red Cross Society and invited stakeholders, using peer to peer exchange to maintain an adequate level of skills which are needed to manage in response in their respective areas."
Tonga has been affected by devastating cyclones multiple times in the last few decades. Tropical cyclones Isaac and Waka in 1982 and 2001 destroyed the homes of tens of thousands of people. While in Niuatoputatu an offshore magnitude 8.1 earthquake in 2009 generated a devastating tsunami, which destroyed over half of the houses in Niuatoputapu.
Participants in the training include representatives from government and NGOs directly involved in disaster response such as the National Emergency Management Office, Caritas Tonga, defence, Tonga National Youth Congress and Tonga Red Cross Society branches.
The Minister for Inland Revenue and Customs Hon Tevita Lavemaau opened the training. The training is facilitated by Subesh Prasad the IFRC Shelter Program Officer, Pacific Country Cluster Support Team funded by DFAT, facilitates the training.