Revi makes second trip to Niuatoputapu [1]
Thursday, October 8, 2009 - 19:28. Updated on Saturday, May 3, 2014 - 20:15.
The REVI, a French Navy Ship departed Nuku'alofa on its second trip to Niuatoputapu this afternoon with 30 tonnes of cargo of food, diesel, medical supplies and tyres donated by the Tongan Government, local churches and other organisations.
The French Honorary Consul in Tonga, Tupou Pasikala, said the ship also carried 10 relatives of people in Niuatoputapu who asked to see their families.
Revi provided the the first international assistance with a first sailing to Niuatoputapu on October 3 following the tsunami. It transported joint assistance from Australia, New Zealand, France and Tonga that included a French medical team, medical supplies, power generators, food, tents, cooking utensils and hurricane lamps.
The New Zealand High Commissioner in Tonga Ms Christine Bogle who was at Queen Salote wharf this morning to witness the loading of donations said for further assistance to Niuatoputapu, New Zealand is waiting on the Government of Tonga to identify what areas they need help in like reconstruction.
Captain Philippe Perret who led a special 13-member team who flew in last Saturday from Pape'ete and boarded the Revi's first trip to NTT said they delivered up to 60 tonnes of cargo. They managed to set up a power generator for the temporary hospital and their medical team, which included two doctors and three nurses was able to help in tending to patients.
He said in Niuatoputapu he saw that the immediate need now is people needing a roof over their head particularly in the village of Hihifo, which was 90 percent wrecked by the tsunami.