His Majesty King Tupou VI said Tongans should have taken charge of the consequences of tropical cyclone Gita before others helped them.
As Kaniva News reported yesterday, China has promised TP$1.3 million in cyclone relief.
The Asian Development Bank has provided $US6 million dollars from its Pacific Disaster Resilience Programme.
RNZAAF and RAAF aircraft have flown emergency supplies into the kingdom,
The king said people had to take the initiative and help save lives and clear up roads.
The king’s comments come after he visited Vaheloto including Popua and Pātangata , Vahe hahake and Vahe hihifo.
He said he wanted to witness for himself the impact of Gita on Tongatapu.
TVNZ reported yesterday that the king, accompanied by members of his defence force and royal household, delivered water to Tongatapu resident.
It said the king stayed in his vehicle as his motorcade moved slowly through the village of Pātangata where, it said, nearly every home was badly damaged.
His Majesty encouraged his people yesterday in his public statement to the nation after the category four storm ravaged the country.
He urged people to keep working with government related departments so aid relief could reach those who were severely affected.
His Majesty praised the people’s colloraborative and voluntary efforts to recover after the disaster.
The king said he understood the spirit of working together as one did work among the people during and after the cyclone.
He said the people’s cooperation and following government’s notices and announcements in preparation for the cyclone helped ease the situtation.
“Let’s work together to build the nation. We can achieve huge amount of works when we work together,” the king said in Tongan.
Shelter priority
Radio New Zealand reported this evening that people without rooves or shelter were the highest priority for Tonga’s Emergency Management Office.
Emergency Management director, Lēveni ‘Aho said emergency work had been hampered by the state of roads.
Almost 200 homes were completely destroyed on Tongatapu and ‘Eua when the cyclone hit.
As Kaniva News reported ysterday, a curfew remains in force in central Nuku’alofa.
New Zealand Met service said this afternoon Cyclone Gita was expected to reach New Zealand early next week.
It is likely there would be severe gales and heavy rain spreading across central and northern New Zealand on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The main points
- His Majesty King Tupou VI said Tongans should have taken charge of the consequences of tropical cyclone Gita before others helped them.
- The king said people had to take the initiative and help save lives and clear up roads.
- The king’s comments come after he visited Vaheloto including Popua and Patanga , Vahe hahake and Vahe hihifo.
For more information
Cyclone Gita: Shelter for people in Tonga the top priority
China offers $1.3 million pa’anga relief fund to help Tonga recover from cyclone Gita
