Australia has provided immediate financial assistance to Tonga after severe Tropical Cyclone Harold and support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

AUD$100,000 went to support Tonga’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) to procure essential supplies for those impacted.

The Australian High Commissioner in Tonga, HE Mr Adrian Morrison praised local response agencies and NGOs that Australia is working with to support those in need after the severe tropical cyclone.

These organisations include Caritas, MORDI Tonga Trust and the Tonga Red Cross Society. 

“We welcome their ongoing work to provide much needed emergency assistance hygiene kits, water, shelter and other essential items for those impacted."

Australia stands ready to provide additional assistance to the NGO sector in Tonga, including efforts to ensure timely re-supply of humanitarian needs, where requested.

In the medium to long term, Tonga will need assistance to rebuild its badly damaged agriculture, tourism sectors and vital infrastructure.

Australia stands with the Pacific as the devastation of the cyclone became clear. This destructive cyclone has impacted the people of Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga resulting in tragic loss of life in Solomon Islands

In addition, through a FRANZ trilateral disaster relief arrangement, Australia is also working with New Zealand and France to support relief efforts to affected countries.

Budget COVID 1-9 support 

At the same time, the Minister for Finance Hon Tevita Lavemaau and the Australian High Commissioner signed an arrangement of an accountable cash grant for assistance regarding the provision of performance linked aid/budget support.

A press release from the Tongan Government, said this includes AUD$4 million for 2019/20, AUD$3.5 million for 2020/21 and AUD$3.5 million for 2021 /22. 

The arrangement includes assistance of up to AUD12 million in response to the global COVID-19 crisis, of which AUD$7 million will be received, as additional budget support to assist the Tongan Government's immediate response to the virus.

The Tongan Government acknowledged the generous ongoing support of the Australian Government and its development partners on their response to combat COVID-19 and its impact.

This signing between the Governments of Tonga and Australia was held on April 8 in Nuku'alofa.