Please Help Us To Provide Fresh Water Supply For Tonga! For Cyclone Ian Disaster Relief

Project 2014-01-28 13:53:52 +1300

The Project:

Donate what you can to contribute to the installation of a fresh water pump (desalination plant) on the Island of Tonga, whose northern Ha'Apai island region lost 85% of its fresh water supply during Cyclone Ian and whose people are in desperate need of help.

Several weeks ago, the country's northern islands were struck by Cyclone Ian, a category five storm of unprecedented intensity. Over 2,000 people have been displaced - 600 homes were completely destroyed and 400 damaged. Access to clean water has been severely disabled as the storm polluted most reservoirs and is the country's current most pressing need. 80-90% of the water supply and storage tanks have been destroyed. Further, 95% of electrical infrastructure has been destroyed. Transportation infrastructure has been severely degraded. Authorities of the Tongan government are still attempting to reach several islands for aid.

Unfortunately the cyclone never created as much awareness in the international media as other disasters. The international attention and willingness to donate was extremely low.

Cyclone Ian has had a major and immediate impact on the island country's economy. All three production plants for one growing export, organic virgin coconut oil have been destroyed. All crops on the northern islands were destroyed - major exports for Tonga include banana, vanilla bean, squash, and fish. All northern island fishing equipment was also destroyed.

The Goal:

University of Otago students Ben, Donovan, Liza, and Tim are supporting Oxfam in an effort to generate awareness of this massive catastrophe and have pledged to raise a minimum of $2,000 to help cover the cost of a fresh water pump on the island of Ha'Apai, which suffered the greatest damages. YOU CAN HELP BY DONATING NOW TO OUR PLEDGEME CAMPAIGN!!!

One of those desalination pump cost up to $11,000. With you and your help, we will be able to contribute a significant share of this amount.

About Tonga:

Officially The Kingdom of Tonga, is a small island country made up of 176 islands, of which 52 are inhabited by 103,000 people. Tonga is a popular vacation spot for the sailing community, and is a hot spot for whale watching and world-class scuba diving and snorkeling. Tonga is affectionately known as the "Friendly Islands". Their major crops include certified organic virgin coconut oil, bananas, squash, and vanilla bean.

Please follow us on facebook: Help Tonga @ Facebook

For the latest news on the Tonga disaster: http://matangitonga.to/

More information on the Kingdom of Tonga: http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/tonga.htm

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