Tonga: Cyclone Hina [DHA-02: 25-Mar-97]
Tonga: Cyclone Hina [DHA-02: 25-Mar-97]
United Nations
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Tonga - Cyclone Hina
DHA Situation Report No. 2
25 March 1997
APPEAL FOR INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE
1. The DHA South Pacific Programme Office (SPPO) reports
that the Acting Prime Minister of Tonga convened a meeting
of donors this afternoon, where an official request for
international assistance in support of the relief operation
was presented. Priority areas for assistance identified by
the Government are: shelter, restoration of community water
supplies, restoration of power and repairs to schools. A
detailed official damage report estimates the total damage
caused by Cyclone Hina at Tongan dollars (TD) 18.3 million
(USD 14.5 million).
DISASTER IMPACT AND PRIORITY ASSISTANCE NEEDS
2. Temporary shelter: 320 families have lost their homes
with a further 328 suffering partial damage to their
dwellings and requiring shelter. 320 tents, 328 tarpaulins
and 1,500 blankets are the major need within this sector.
3. Health and sanitation: Water supplies have been severely
affected. The major problems appear to be related to power
failures. Overhead tanks in three villages have been
destroyed. Stagnant water in many villages has been
identified as the greatest risk to health. The situation is
aggravated by domestic rubbish building up around villages.
Eleven diesel generators - 10 (5kw) and 1 (20kw) - are
required as well as 3 overhead tanks and stands for
community water supplies.
4. Electricity and telecommunications: Extensive damage was
caused to power supplies in Tongatapu and 'Eua. The Tonga
Electricity and Power Board estimates the total cost of
repairs at USD 873,000. The lack of heavy equipment and
supplies is slowing down the repair works. Damage to 30 per
cent of the telephone system on Tongatapu and 'Eua is
estimated at USD 357,000.
5. Schools and government buildings: Five schools have been
closed until temporary shelter can be provided. Fourteen
schools are in need of repair works. Several other schools
have resumed classes following temporary repairs to roofs
and walls. According to the Ministry of Education, USD 2.3
million will be required for repair and reconstruction of
school buildings.
The parliament buildings have been severely damaged, as has
the Chief Justice's office, a stadium and a number of
public halls.
6. Agriculture: Extensive damage has occurred to fruit and
breadfruit trees, with 80 per cent of cassava and banana
seriously damaged. Root crops such as taro, yam, kumala and
kape have been damaged by salt water. Preliminary estimates
are that damage has exceeded USD 5.1 million, however a
more detailed assessment of the agriculture sector is
required. No food rations will be issued pending the
outcome of this assessment.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
7. The Tongan Government has initiated emergency funding of
5 per cent of its national budget to facilitate immediate
start of emergency relief and repairs to essential services
(TD 5 million - USD 3.97 million).
8. The Acting Prime Minister has requested if donors can
review existing or proposed bilateral programmes to see if
they can be adjusted or brought forward to cater for the
repairs or rebuilding of schools and other government
buildings.
9. The Government of New Zealand has made an initial offer
to support the electricity board with New Zealand based
teams for the restoration of power lines.
10. The Government of the United Kingdom granted PDS STLG
30,000 (USD 48,000) for ten emergency generators.
11. The Government of China has pledged USD 30,000.
12. Other donors have indicated that they are considering
support. An informal donor coordination mechanism has been
established and a further donor meeting is planned for next
week.
13. DHA is prepared to serve as a channel for cash
contributions, to be used during the immediate relief
phase, in coordination/consultation with relevant
organizations of the United Nations system. DHA provides
donors with written confirmation and pertinent details
concerning the utilization of the funds contributed.
14. Donors wishing to channel their contributions through
DHA should transfer funds to DHA account no. CO.590.160.1
at the Swiss Bank Corporation, Case Postale 2770, CH-1211
Geneva 2, Switzerland, with reference: Tonga - Cyclone
Hina, DHA Geneva.
15. For coordination purposes, donors are requested to
inform DHA Geneva, as indicated below, of relief missions/
pledges /contributions and their corresponding values by
item.
Telephone number: +41-22-917-1234
In case of emergency only: tel. +41-22-917-2010
Desk Officer: Ms. S. Metzner-Strack
direct tel. +41-22-917-2144/3200
Press to contact: Ms. M. Moulin-Acevedo
direct tel. +41-22-917-2856
Telex: 414242 dha ch
Fax: +41-22-917-0023
E-mail: dhagva@dha.unicc.org
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