Tonga's Red Cross is doing “fantastic work in helping Tonga get back on its feet,” said Westpac-Tonga's country head Dennis Quayle, whose staff is assisting in the the cyclone recovery effort.

Westpac Bank of Tonga has sent a relief team of five people to Ha‘apai, with a truck and supplies, including fuel, water, basic food supplies, blankets and hygiene packs.

“It’s terrible to see so many people affected by the cyclone, but humbling to see how well community members have worked together to help people who have been impacted,” said Dennis.

“We spoke to the Tongan Red Cross – which is doing fantastic work in helping Tonga get back on its feet – and gathered from the organisation that transportation and fuel were two essential challenges in delivering food and shelter to the islands.

“As the Red Cross only had one serving truck, we sent a truck over to assist in the work. Our staff then gladly helped the organisation to pack and distribute aid supplies to families affected by the cyclone,” he said.

They have made three 44 gallon dispatches of fuel, which also went to boats utilised by the Tonga Red Cross to help get supplies out quickly to the outer islands.

“Westpac also supplied fuel to the only mechanic in Koulo in Ha‘apai to assist with his generator, who worked tirelessly servicing all the vehicles on the main island,” he said.