Since the volcanic eruption and tsunami on 15 January, eighty-four percent of the population of Tonga has been affected. Some individuals have tragically lost their lives, many have been relocated, and even a health centre has been washed away.
Whilst the international community have been providing timely assistance to the unprecedented event, Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, has unearth that the Welsh Government has provided no assistance.
Responding to a Written Question tabled by Mrs Finch-Saunders, Mark Drakeford MS, First Minister, stated:
“We remain deeply concerned for all those affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami which hit Tonga in January.
“The Welsh Government supports the Disasters Emergency Committee Cymru. The DEC have not issued an appeal for Tonga in the UK because there are governments and aid agencies nearer to Tonga which are better placed to help the estimated 17,000 people in need of emergency aid. The Welsh Government is supporting their Afghanistan appeal where up to 30m are facing starvation and acute hunger”.
Commenting on the First Minister’s response, Janet said:
“Our nation has a proud tradition of making a special effort to help communities facing crisis globally, yet on this occasion Wales has not stepped forward.
“Whilst the Disasters Emergency Committee Cymru has decided not to assist Tonga on the basis that there are governments and aid agencies nearer to the island nation, that rationale is in conflict with the decision to run the Afghanistan appeal.
“I fully support the efforts made to help save lives in Afghanistan, but the Disasters Emergency Committee Cymru and Welsh Government should be ready to provide support for peoples facing crisis wherever they are in the world”.
The UK is sending vital humanitarian assistance and redeploying a Royal Navy ship to support Tonga respond to the catastrophic tsunami that hit the islands.
ENDS
UK to support Tonga tsunami response with aid and Royal Navy ship
