Australia will provide an initial $50,000 (AUD) in emergency supplies to assist the Government of Tonga to respond to the needs of people affected by Cyclone Ian, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced on Tuesday.

“Australia’s thoughts are with those who have had their homes and livelihoods devastated by this disaster,” Ms Bishop said.

The emergency supplies funded by Australia are pre-positioned in various locations around Tonga with the Tonga Red Cross Society and include blankets, water containers, tarpaulins, kitchen sets and hygiene kits.

She said that an Australian Civilian Corps specialist is currently working with the Tonga National Emergency Management Office as part of a six-month capacity building program, and is supplementing response efforts.

Additional assistance is also being provided to Tonga’s naval patrol boats under Australia’s bilateral defence cooperation program. The boats are assessing the damage and the needs of affected people, as well as taking food, medicines, tarps and tents, and personnel from a number of government ministries and non-government organisations.

She said that Australia would continue to work with the Government of Tonga, Tonga Red Cross Society and other disaster relief partners to meet the needs of those affected as more information becomes available.

“The Australian Government has an extensive network of emergency contacts in Tonga, and will work closely with the Government of Tonga to support their response efforts,” Ms Bishop said.