Australia’s support has been broadened to include the restoration of power and communications, the storage and effective delivery of relief supplies, and further recovery efforts on the outer islands most affected.

Australia has thus far delivered more than 40 tonnes of emergency relief supplies to Tonga, including shelter materials, water and sanitation supplies, equipment to restore communications and personal protective equipment for those clearing debris.

The Commonwealth has also pledged an additional $2 million in humanitarian funding ahead of the next phase of Tonga’s recovery, bringing the total contribution to $3 million.

“Australia continues to take every precaution and are delivering our assistance to our partners in accordance with the COVID-safe practices that we have put in place with the government of Tonga. The ship is undertaking an entirely contactless delivery of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies,” Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said.

“The Australian government continues to work closely with our Tongan partners to mobilise resources to best support the Government and the local community.

“We are also coordinating our assistance closely with other partners, including France and New Zealand under the FRANZ Pacific humanitarian response partnership, as well as Fiji, Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and non-government organisations.”

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[Related: Air Warfare Centre supports Tongan relief efforts]