Disaster Relief for Tonga

Disaster Relief for Tonga

Cyclone Ian, a category five storm of unprecedented intensity, struck the northern islands of Tongo. Over 2,000 people were displaced - 600 homes 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.

Cyclone Ian had a major and immediate impact on the island country's economy. All three production plants for growing & exporting 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.

Pledge Me

A team of MBA students from our international exchange partners, National University of Singapore, Mahidol University (Bangkok, Thailand), and Duke University, as well as our own Donovan Clarke (Otago MBA) raised more than $2000 through a PledgeMe crowdfunding appeal to help Oxfam buy a desalination plant (total cost $11k) for the Ha’apai islands of Tonga.

Well done!

David