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Tonga

Tonga: Earthquake Tsunami - Information Bulletin n° 1

Attachments

GLIDE TS-2009-000210-TON

This bulletin is being issued for information only and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The Federation is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation. The Tonga Red Cross Society will, however, accept direct assistance to provide support to the affected population.

The Situation

On 29 September 2009, at the universal time of 17:48:07, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre reported an earthquake measuring a magnitude of 8.3, which generated a Pacific wide tsunami warning and this included Tonga. The earthquake lasted over five minutes, and its epicentre was located 190 km southwest of American Samoa. The most affected area of Tonga was Niua Tongatapu.

Assessment reports indicate 76 homes have been destroyed with nine confirmed deaths; and a further five people in critical condition who were flown to Nuku'alofa. In addition, there are approximately 800 displaced people with two local staff being involved in the operation. By 4 October 2009 the total number of people affected had risen to 465.

The increase in the numbers of displaced people has created additional pressure on Tonga Red Cross Society to meet all the affected communities' needs. In addition, the trauma caused by the tsunami on the population of Tonga, who rarely experience a massive natural disaster has created the need for significant emotional and social support. The Tongan Government is currently trying to persuade displaced people to return to their land, and homes. However, the people are reluctant and scared. These communities who experienced the affects of this disaster will require support for a significant period of time to come.

The main water supply in the affected area is not functioning and residents are reliant on a small number of reserve tanks. It is currently not clear how much water is there and how long it is likely to last. The national government is currently shipping water to the island to supplement existing water supplies. The island is very hot and dry so lack of water on the island may have health implications for the population.

At the time of this Information Bulletin, the Government of Tonga have declared the emergency phase over and are now moving into the recovery phase and will be sending an assessment team into Niua Topatapu (NTT) to look at wider recovery issues; and the Tonga Red Cross Society's Secretary General, Mr. Sione will be part of the government assessment team.