The Government of Tonga contributed $100,000 towards the Government of Vanuatu’s response to the aftermath of Severe Tropical Cyclones, Judy and Kevin.

Tongan students that are currently studying in Vanuatu have also received an additional allowance from the Government, to cover extra expenses resulting from the tropical cyclones.

STC Judy and Kevin  (both of Cat. 4 intensity) made landfall over Vanuatu on March 1 and 3 causing damage to infrastructure, especially in central and southern Vanuatu. Authorities had extended a State of Emergency to the whole country by March 5. Damage assessments are ongoing.

According to OCHA Office of the Pacific Islands, the double cyclones affected 251,000 people, 30,000 households. There were over 5,100 people in evacuation centres.

Previously, Tonga had received financial assistance from the Government of Vanuatu following the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai disasters in early 2022. The Tongan diaspora in Vanuatu also sent financial assistance channelled through the Ministry of Finance following the HTHH events.