By Katalina Siasau

Collaborative efforts by stakeholders are needed to address Tonga's disaster management, with planning for proper and timely responses, especially where there is a need for evacuation and when people are displaced.

Tonga’s Disaster Displacement and Evacuation Management Cluster (DDEMC) was officially launched today to prepare for these challenges during disasters. The cluster will bring together the stakeholders.

The launch was held by the National Disaster Risk Management Office (under MEIDECC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nuku'alofa.

The Acting CEO for MEIDECC Mr Vatulele Tuputupu in his keynote address said this disaster displacement and evacuation management cluster will specifically look at the protection of and meeting the needs of displaced people and evacuees during and after disasters.

He said the response to the HTHH volcanic eruption and tsunami was the benchmark for Tonga's disaster preparedness.

"On a global scale, there are common challenges on displacement in which Tonga can also relate to such as timing, identifying of needs for unaccounted displaced people, lack of support for needs and protection of displaced people, as well as prolonged and long term displacement that results in increasing poverty."

Disaster preparedness

“Preparedness is key to reduce risk of displacement and evacuation caused by disasters, and it is proved that for every dollar invested in disaster risk reduction and prevention, can save up to fifteen dollars in disaster loss," he said.

The IOM Tonga project officer, Mr Idris Beshir, said disaster risk management and evacuation management is important. "It is a crucial aspect of disaster preparedness and response that is critically needed for ensuring the safety and dignity of those affected by disasters."

IOM is supporting the functions of the new cluster, under the IOM Development Fund.

Mr Beshir called for collaborative and collective efforts in making today’s launch the beginning of a successful and impactful initiative.

With stakeholders including government ministries, departments, agencies, non-government organisations, development partners, and community members, the cluster will serve as a platform for unified action and strategic coordination. 

The cluster has been incorporated into the new Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Act 2021.

Cluster members includes the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Forests, Ministry of Education and Training, Tonga Statistics Department, Tonga Red Cross Society, Civil Society Forum of Tonga (will represent all NGOs) and Tonga National Council of Churches and Act for Peace.