Hurricane sets Tongan crop back two years

Press, 9 March 1982, Page 1

Hurricane sets Tongan crop back two years

NZPA special correspondent Nukualofa, Tonga The crop devastation caused by Hurricane Isaac had set. back the Tongan economy two years and Tonga would be asking for long-term aid, a Government Minister said yesterday. The combined Tongan Disaster Committee spokesman and Works Minister, Dr Senipisi Langi Kavaliku, said that there was “no doubt we will have to ask for. further assistance in terms of rebuilding the economy.” “I can’t say what at this stage,” he said. Dr Kavaliku said that delays in distributing the bulk aid received so far were partly due to a Government attempt to discourage a “hand-out mentality” among the island group’s villagers. Dr Kavaliku also said that there was. immediate con-

cern at the danger of disease and illness epidemics in the islands. No serious outbreak had been detected yet but the Health Department had requested spray to decontaminate the many large swamps caused by last Wednesday’s hurricane. This would stave off the danger of typhoid. A hospital doctor, Dr David Clow, said that he expected an outbreak of infantile gastro-enteritis within the next few days as bacteria bred in water lying on the ground. Reports to the disaster committee indicate that the loss of crops will cost the kingdom about $l4 million — about 90 per cent of its revenue for a’ year. “In terms of export, bananas and coconuts are the products hurting us the most.” Dr Kavaliku said.

Bananas are normally exported to New Zealand and copra from coconuts to Australia. The islands had had four hurricanes in the past ten years but “the magnitude of the disaster was beyond our experience.” Although it was an emergency operation, Dr Kavaliku said that the committee would proceed carefully in distributing the bulk of the aid. “We want to make sure the situation is not played up,” he said. “It is a question of credibility.” The death toll from the disaster still stood at four. In the devastated Ha’apai group, surveyors now reported 95 per cent of buildings badly damaged, and food and water supplies very short. Dr Kavaliku said that re-

lief work would be concentrated in Ha’apai and the western area of the mam island, Tongatapu, for about the first two weeks. The Government relief policy was two-pronged: first, the emergency work of supplying shelter, food, water and clothing; second, the Government was working on a rehabilitation programme, getting islanders to make themselves self-sufficient. “Unless we move on both fronts there will be a handout mentality which we don’t want,” he said. Village labour forces totalling about 15,000 people were to be mobilised under Government direction today to assist in the building and replanting. While the food situation in Ha’apai — with the population of about 15,000 — was urgent, Dr Kavaliku estim-

ated that the rest of Tonga already had' food for another month. “We hope to be able to grow and produce food for local consumption within four to six months,” he said. “Knowing the supply of seedlings and cuttings, it may be more like nine months.” Aid distribution was traditionally hampered in Tonga by lack of transport, but the situation had been greatly eased by the arrival of R.N.Z.A.F. and R.A.A.F. helicopters. However, the aid teams were'’ proceeding carefully. Household census teams were accompanying aid suppliers to get an accurate picture of further; supply needs. ‘

. The New Zealand Navy frigate, Taranaki, left on a vital supply role within three hours of reaching Tonga yesterday.

The Taranaki arrived off Nukualofa and was loaded with 300 targe tents and fresh wafer, before sailing for the Ha’apai group. The tents had been flown in by Hercules aircraft

. The Taranaki’s commanding officer, Commander John Peddie, said after a quick’ conference with relief workers, that the ship would sail through the group while two R.N.Z.A.F. Iroquois helicopters flew shuttle trips, taking the supplies to the 36 islands in the group.

The Taranaki also brought a 120-strong complement of Navy tradesmen who may be put ashore later in the week to help with the rebuilding programmed

. The Taranaki is expected to anchor off Lifuka, the main island in the group, this morning.

The Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) said yesterday that a “considerable volume” of contributions in goods and cash had been donated to the Red Cross Tongan cyclone relief fund.

The Air Force was transporting as many goods as possible to the stricken islands.