11:25 AM |
UN DEVELOPMENT PROGAMME AND TONGA AGREE ON PROJECT FOR RECOVERY ASSISTANCE
(Nuku'alofa, Tonga, 04 November 2009) - The Government of the Kingdom of Tonga has signed a project with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that will assist the country in efforts to facilitate and coordinate recovery measures on the island of Niuatoputapu that was recently affected by a tsunami.
The Minister for Finance and National Planning Hon. Afu'alo Matoto and the UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator, Knut Ostby yesterday signed the Tonga Tsunami Early Recovery Project.
UNDP will support the Government in organizing relief efforts and the rebuilding of infrastructure and homes that were damaged on the island. Improving the livelihoods of the affected residents as well as the overall practices for disaster risk management and early warning systems and making the people aware of the importance of preparing for future disasters are also important aspects of the Project.
The northern island of Niuatoputapu was severely affected by the tsunami that travelled 600 meter inland, causing major damage on the island. Nine people were reported dead and numerous survivors sustained major injuries. It is estimated that more than 60 percent of the NTT population has become homeless. The islanders also lost their only hospital, which was fully destroyed by the tsunami. Further damage was caused on the infrastructure and government buildings.
Mr Ostby who travelled to the island immediately after the disaster, witnessed the severe damages caused.
"I was shocked by the dramatic impact and massive devastation in such a short time. But I was also encouraged by the rapid response by the local community, government and donors. I also felt that this confirms the high level of vulnerability of many Pacific communities. It reminds us that much work needs to be done to protect vulnerable communities against various forms of natural disasters, be it tsunamis or disasters caused by global warming," Mr Ostby said.
UNDP is also proposing to support building houses that would be more resistant to future cyclones, tsunamis and earthquakes. The total amount grants allocated for this project is USD300,000.
[Ends]
Picture Captions :
1) Hihifo Primary Schoolon Niutoputapu island that was damaged by the recent tsunami
2) The island hospital that was severely damaged
Picture Attributions : UNDP Fiji
For further information contact Reama Biumaiono; reama.biumaiono@undp.org / 3227704 or Saeba Bajoghli; saeba.bajoghli@undp.org / 3227759.
UNDP is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.
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Reama Naco
UNDP Fiji MCO
Suva
pacific islands media association
pima.nius@gmail.com
aotearoa, new zealand
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