New Zealand Red Cross Sends Shelter Materials To Tonga

17 January 2014

New Zealand Red Cross has provided further assistance to Tonga in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Ian.

A total of 450 tarpaulins, 300 shelter kits and extra carpentry tools were sent via a New Zealand Defence Force C-130 Hercules aircraft this morning.

The 300 kits can provide shelter for more than 2000 people, and each contain building materials such as tarpaulins, ropes, saws, nails, shovels, machetes, and hammers.

New Zealand Red Cross international operations and emergencies manager Andrew McKie says the kits will be invaluable for those people displaced by the cyclone or whose houses were damaged.

“The materials will enable people to make their houses liveable until a more permanent solution can be found.”

New Zealand Red Cross is also sending a second aid worker to Tonga tomorrow. Kevin Duignan from Christchurch is an expert in shelter and will be on the ground for around 10 days. Other specialised aid workers are on standby to travel if needed.

New Zealand Red Cross has also made $10,000 available for the immediate relief effort.

The cyclone killed one person and injured 14, and displaced about 2000 people in the Ha’apai island group.

Anyone wanting to donate to help those affected by Tropical Cyclone Ian can go to www.redcross.org.nz

ENDS

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