An additional $2.5 million in humanitarian assistance will be provided by the US Government through its US Agency for International Development to support the people affected by volcanic eruptions and tsunami waves in Tonga.
The eruptions and subsequent flooding have affected approximately 100,000 people — nearly the entire population of Tonga and damaged or destroyed houses and public infrastructure.
Working in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tonga Red Cross Society, USAID is providing critical water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies and supporting disease prevention messaging campaigns to reduce the spread of infectious disease.
The USAID will also work through partners to address food security, agriculture, livestock, and shelter needs among the most affected populations.
This new funding is in addition to an initial $100,000 in immediate assistance and longstanding programs in Tonga that are already responding to urgent needs.
Another USAID partner is providing emergency telecommunications support after the eruption broke an underwater communications cable, leaving most of Tonga without communication and internet access.
They are also working with partners to maintain air and sea transport capabilities that stand ready to deliver relief supplies to people on all affected islands and in remote communities.
