Thirty of the 34 containers of relief goods that arrived from New Zealand to support families have been distributed, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for MEIDECC Hon Poasi Tei told a press conference, Feb.14.

These goods were addressed to the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO).

"There are four containers remaining to be distributed and the paperwork process is currently underway, he said.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, shipments have been released directly to people at Queen Salote Wharf, which saw long queues outside the wharf on Vuna Road, and Bypass Road over the last few weeks.

Another 15 new containers have arrived but these are addressed to shipping agents.

However, Hon. Tei said these containers will remain at the wharf and will not be released to the agents' locations. The names of those receiving goods will be read out over the radio.

"People will still need to go to the wharf to collect their shipment and not directly to the agents."

The aim is to distribute all these goods by this weekend.

Meanwhile, NEMO's National Emergency Operation Centre has been working with His Majesty's Armed Forces, Tonga Fire and Emregency Services, Tonga Police, Tonga Red Cross, and NGO partners to coordinate relief supplies for affected families and communities across Tonga, since the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcani eruption and tsunamis disaster.