The volcanic eruption on January 15, 2022 caused massive damages across the country. Since the beginning, A-PAD has been conducting needs assessments and on February 14, A-PAD’s emergency relief items finally reached Tonga. 

On February 8, A-PAD’s emergency team leader left Japan for emergency assistance in a five-member ARROWS (Airborne Relief and Rescue Operations With Search) team.

The airplane with the relief items left Japan on February 9, arrived in Fiji on the 13th, and delivered the items in Tonga the next day. This operation was made possible by coordinated efforts from the Embassy of Japan in Tonga and the Tonga Embassy in Tokyo. While in Fiji, the team packed the relief items into “family packs” for more efficient distribution. Each pack includes a water filter, filtration tablets, rice, oil, soap, and face masks. The Chamber of Commerce in Tonga and a local NGO will distribute them to local residents. 

A-PAD’s team leader reflected on the operation, “Emergency assistance during COVID-19 requires PCR testing, quarantine, and non-contact distribution so speedy operation is becoming harder. When I arrived in Fiji, I was able to talk to the head of the Tonga Chamber of Commerce on the phone and ascertained the need for masks and PPE and immediately moved to procure them after the call. I’ve been working in rescue operations for more than 30 years. It was heartbreaking to see Tonga from the sky and I thought long-term work will be needed for recovery. We are helpless in the face of nature. Thankfully, the people in Tonga and Fiji welcomed our assistance with open arms. Our team will do our best to provide much needed support.”

By February 18, A-PAD plans to deliver 175 family kits and COVID-19 prevention control supplies to Tonga. A-PAD has also sent a shipment of cleaning supplies, chainsaws, generators, and lawn mowers. The items will be managed by the Chamber of Commerce and used by the affected residents.