By Linny Folau.

A US$2 million grant assistance to provide disaster management equipment to Tonga from the Government of Japan was committed today in Nuku'alofa.

Prime Minister Hon Rev. Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa and Japanese Ambassador Mr Munenaga Kensaku signed the Exchange Note, at the Prime Minister's Office.

This will provide the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) with water trucks, protective gears, loud hailers and other items for practical disaster management.

The Prime Minister in extending gratitude to Japan said, climate change resilience had been further compromised by the impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic.

He was grateful for Japan's prompt approval of this non-profit grant agreement following the PALM9 summit, earlier this month.

“The PALM9 process took stock of our imminent concerns and the harsh reality that we as Pacific Leaders will have to face, in building our resilience in times of uncertainty."

Japan is also expected to provide Tonga with COVID-19 vaccines soon.

The Japanese Ambassador said natural disasters are an unavoidable threat and Tonga is ranked as the second most vulnerable country to natural disasters, in a World Risk Report ranking.

A resilient society against natural disasters is the foundation for steady social and economic development assistance, he said.

"I strongly hope that by providing this equipment to town officers or small communities in Tonga, people’s preparedness against disaster shall be reinforced and with prompt initial response to hazard cases."

The equipment is provided under Japan’s Non-Project Grant Aid.