The best thing you can do to help Tonga - send cash

The best thing you can do to help Tonga - send cash

13 February 2018

New Zealanders wanting to support the people of Tonga who are waking up to the damage from Cyclone Gita this morning can get in touch with any of the New Zealand international charities listed below, says CID’s Humanitarian Coordinator, Nik Rilkoff.

“Our NGOs are working alongside local organisations right now to access what is most urgently needed.”

“It’s more effective to send cash right now. People on the ground know what is needed and can quickly get support to those affected. The urge may be to donate food or clothing, but please don’t. Sixty percent of unrequested goods sent in emergencies are not needed, and end up sitting in containers on wharves long after the disaster recovery phase is over.”

The scale of the damage from the Category Four cyclone in Tonga is not yet fully known, although it is clear that roofs have been ripped off, roads are blocked and many buildings have been damaged by the wind and the water.

The short term needs are likely to be access to clean water, food and shelter. In the longer term, local people will need financial support to rebuild their livelihoods, get schools up and running and make their homes habitable again.

To donate to New Zealand NGOs now:

Habitat for Humanity’s Cyclone Gita Emergency Appeal will support shelter and rebuilding.

Tearfund’s Cyclone Gita Appeal will provide immediate relief and helps communities recover.

Rotary Foundation provide practical support for families including emergency supplies.

Caritas Aoteroa and Oxfam New Zealand are also supporting emergency response in the Pacific.

CID will remain in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate on any official response, and will update the New Zealand public on which New Zealand NGOs are responding in countries affected by Cyclone Gita as the situation develops.

ends

© Scoop Media