Australian Navy Delivers Aid For Tonga Recovery

Australian Navy Delivers Aid For Tonga Recovery

The Royal Australian Navy’s heavy landing ship HMAS Tobruk has anchored off the coast of the Tongan island of Niuatoputapu and has commenced its humanitarian aid delivery to Tonga, following the tsunami that devastated the island on 30 September 2009. This initiative constitutes the second leg of Tobruk’s support to the Pacific, having recently stopped in Samoa to render similar assistance.

At the outset of the operation, Tobruk took delivery of a Landing Craft Mechanised (LCM8) and two Lighter Amphibious Resupply Carriages (LARC’V’) from 10 Force Support Battalion based at Townsville’s Ross Island Barracks and they have been vital in transporting supplies and reconstruction material provided by AusAID to the communities of Niuatoputapu.

HMAS Tobruk is currently in the Pacific Islands region, delivering over 500 tonnes of much needed equipment and public donations to assist with the re-establishment of vital infrastructure and ensure affected communities have access to essential services such as power, water, health facilities and education.

"Phase two of Operation Samoa Assist requires Tobruk to land supplies and aid stores to allow local authorities on Niuatoputapu to start rebuilding after the severe damage caused by the tsunami and assist them to move forward," said the ships Commanding Officer, Commander Peter Thompson.

"After the success of the efforts in Samoa, the ship’s crew is extremely excited about continuing the humanitarian relief work, this time on the small island of Niuatoputapu.”

The AusAID relief package onboard Tobruk consists of heavy earthmoving equipment to assist with clearance and reconstruction on the island, building materials and gardening supplies. The humanitarian aid consignment also includes items donated by Non-Government Organisations in Australia and a large consignment of donated goods from the Australian public.

The delivery of this aid will bring the total assistance by the Australian Government, Non Government Organisations and the Australian public to Samoa and Tonga to $13 million.

ENDS

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