A container full of 298 Emergency Response Kits valued at NZ$178,000 is ready for an emergency situation in Tonga thanks to the efforts of combined New Zealand Rotary Clubs and Rotary Club Nuku’alofa.

Each kit holds over 60 survival items likely needed by a family for support through the initial days after a disaster including building a basic shelter to protect them from the elements.

The container located at the Scenic Hotel property at Fua'amotu is one of two containers that Rotary Club Nuku’alofa have placed under the management of Tonga’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) for distribution in emergencies.

The boxes are packed by Rotarians and their supporters from the combined clubs in NZ. The items in each kit include two weatherproof tarpaulins for immediate temporary shelter, hammer and nails, a folding shovel for trenching and ground works, fishing kit, hunting knife, machete for wood gathering, a cooking grate and a Bombay pot in which meals can be prepared, and bowls and mugs for serving.

It also contains an essential medical pack including water purifying tablets, soap, painkillers and antiseptic cream. Basic clothing and underwear for family members and bed covers for warmth are also provided.

The items are packed in a 78 litre plastic container, which when emptied, can be fitted with a tap (included in the kit) and used to treat drinking water.

An initial container with emergency kits was used in Ha’apai after Cyclone Ian.