Drinking water needed in tsunami devastated Hihifo [1]
Wednesday, October 7, 2009 - 22:49. Updated on Sunday, October 26, 2014 - 15:50.
Responding to an appeal for drinking water and blankets in the tsunami devastated island of Niuatoputapu, Air New Zealand in Nuku'alofa this afternoon handed over a shipment of bottled mineral water, blankets and overnight kits to the Tonga Red Cross.
Sione Taumoefolau the Secretary General of the Tonga Red Cross who received the donation from Air New Zealand Tonga Manager Sue Gardiner, said that an initial 100 litres of water that was shipped to Niuatoputapu was finished and because the water system in the severely wrecked village of Hihifo was damaged, including tanks, "drinking water is very much needed now".
He said the water supply in the neighbouring village of Vaipoa is running but Hihifo was still in need.
Sue said in handing over their contribution they were very happy to help the people in Niuatoputapu and the initiative came about after they were approached by 'Ana Emberson of the Niua Tourist Association for help.
Air New Zealand has donated two pallets of bottled water, 700 blankets from the business class, 600 overnight kits that includes t-shirt and toiletries
Sione said the goods would be shipped tomorrow afternoon onboard a TDS patrol boat and will reach Niuatoputapu in the weekend for distribution..