Tonga is an archipelago kingdom in South Pacific Ocean with the population of about 106,479 people (CIA, n.d). The country is prone to cyclones, but Gita is the strongest Tropical Depression experienced by the country so far. It hit Tonga on February 12 as a Category 4 cyclone and proceeded to move towards Fiji (UNFPA PSRO, 2018). While it caused more devastation in Tonga than in Fiji (Reuters Staff, 2018), the investigation of Tonga response to the disaster can be of use for Fiji and other countries that experience the problem of cyclones.
The key activities that were undertaken included coordination and warning system restoration, as well as the planning and actions pertinent to the cluster-based response. Acknowledging the significance of coordination (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 2000; Queensland Government, 2003), the government of Tonga took the lead in the response and recovery effort. Furthermore, it ensured the cooperation of multiple humanitarian, religious, and other organisations (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 2018). The collaboration enabled the quick establishment of shelters for the displaced population and reconstruction of destroyed and damaged housing and infrastructure. Educational facilities restoration was paid special attention (National Emergency Management Committee, 2018). In the process, the health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and health concerns were also addressed.
Given that Gita damaged many sources of food, their recovery was also managed. Furthermore, the government of Tonga paid attention to the issues of safety. Most telecommunications were promptly repaired (National Emergency Management Office, 2018); those that were not, required the restoration of electricity. Tonga needs to proceed with its plans and monitoring to ensure a successful recovery. For the time being, Fiji and other communities can use this case study to review the practices that can be employed in similar situations, including the cluster approach and the coordination of efforts.
References
CIA. (n.d.). Tonga. Web.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. (2018). Emergency Plan of Action (EPoA) TONGA: Cyclone Gita. Web.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. (2000). Disaster preparedness training programme. Web.
National Emergency Management Committee. (2018). Tropical Cyclone Gita immediate response plan. Web.
National Emergency Management Office. (2018). Situation report. Web.
Queensland Government. (2003). Guideline Disaster Management Act 2003: Mitigating the adverse impacts of cyclones. Evacuation and shelter. Web.
UNFPA PSRO. (2018). Situation report # 1. Web.
Reuters Staff. (2018). Fiji escapes widespread damage from Cyclone Gita: Official. Reuters. Web.