The World Bank has donated USD$8 million to Tonga for emergency support due to the widespread damage caused by tsunamis generated by the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption on January 15.

The funding will aid the government’s emergency needs, re-establish essential services and utilities, and help families most affected through relief supplies, temporary housing, and income support.

Minister for Finance, Hon. Tatafu Moeaki was grateful for the World Bank for their “timely response”.

“This rapid cash disbursement will not only respond to the country’s immediate needs but will also allow the Government to plan more confidently following the response and recovery.”

He said humanitarian efforts and relief supplies and grants to affected families, women and children were delivered within a day following the catastrophe.

“Immediate drinking water assistance were deployed to the outer islands soon after.”

Meanwhile, work to re-establish connectivity with the outer islands is underway.