In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) today extended India's deep sympathy to the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga for the damage and destruction caused by this unprecedented disaster.
The United Nations has pledged to maintain Tonga's Covid-free status when aid starts arriving. Officials have expressed concern that deliveries could spread Covid, with the country only recording its first case in October. The UN said it was not clear if personnel could be sent to assist, but that supplies like water and food could be delivered as the main island's port remained viable.
The spokesman said the Unicef is awaiting government confirmation before transporting prepositioned emergency supplies from Fiji and Brisbane, Australia, warehouses.
