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n2doc

(47,953 posts)
Thu Jan 16, 2014, 02:00 PM Jan 2014

Relief distribution a challenge to rattled residents of Tongan islands (hit by Cyclone)

Director of Health Dr Siale Akauola told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat that mental health services are a priority, along with providing ample supplies of safe drinking water.

"A lot of people would need psychological counselling after this disaster so we are working with NGOs and church groups to provide that service for people," he said.

"We have (set up) a sub-committee to look at the specific strategies we are going to use to develop the whole infrastructure for this group of islands like buildings, looking at the utilities, waste management and things like that."

The Tonga Water Board reports that supply is back to normal in the main town of Pangai on Lifuka island, with Tonga Power working on re-establishing power to 900 residences.

Four days after the category five cyclone devastated the Ha'apai group of islands, killing one person and making thousands homeless, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has published an assessment of the damage.

more
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-16/an-tonga-update/5202312

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