The Queen’s Charity [Queen Nanasipau'u] has distributed much needed food supplies and water to communities affected by the volcanic eruption and tsunami of January 15.

The Charity was established by Queen Nanasipau'u to co-ordinate and distribute aid, in some of the worst hit areas.

Food supplies, including crackers, rice, canned food, noodles and drinking water were distributed to affected communities on Tongatapu, including Kanokupolu, 'Ahau, Ha'atafu and 'Atatā.

The Palace Office reported that from February 21 food distribution was made to to families whose homes were affected on Vuna Road, including that of the Seventh Day Adventist President, Kautoke family and Tohi family.

On February 22, supplies reached 13 households on Siesia Island.

The distribution continued on March 4-5 to the residents of ‘Atatā who are staying at the Free Church of Tonga Hall in Kolomotu’a, Mango residents at the FWC Hall in Longolongo, and the residents of Kanokupolu living at Halaevalu Mata’aho Hall.

The community on the small island of ‘Eueiki also received their supplies.

Distribution also reached the residents of Fonoifua, Nomuka and Tungua on Ha’apai.

The supplies to these small islands were transported with assistance from HMAF and HMAS Canberra. 

Meanwhile, the charity will distribute relief supplies to affected families on ‘Eua and ‘Eueiki.

The Queen’s Charity continues to work closely with HMAF and other stakeholders to ensure that the relief assistance reach people, whose livelihoods have been affected by the tsunami, said the Palace Office.

Donations

They acknowledged donations received from various stakeholders, including business people such as Alfred Cowley, Joseph Ramanlal Vallabh, ‘Anau and Salote Cocker.

Donations also came from the Fiji-Chinese Community through Li Yuan Zhong, Chair of the China-Tonga International Trade, Culture and Development Promotion Association and Hong Shu Yang. 

The Aotearoa-Tonga Relief Committee led by Hon. Jenny Salesa and Hon. ‘Anahila Kanongata’a Suisuiiki and Tongans from Tahiti also donated.

A container of supplies was sent from the Maori King Tuheitia and the Maori community in New Zealand.