The American Samoa government's humanitarian relief drive for Tonga has raised more than US$90,000.
Churches, village organizations, civic groups, businesses and individuals showed their alofa (love) throughout the day, heeding an appeal by Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga to help "our brothers and sisters, mothers, fathers and children now trying to get by after the devastation and loss caused by the volcanic eruption and tsunami."
Tevita Paea said the Tongan Community in American Samoa started a relief drive for supplies to be sent to their homeland. Photo: American Samoa government
Governor Lemanu had also asked all government employees to contribute to the administration's fundraising drive for Tonga.
He said Tonga continues to suffer from the devastation of the recent volcanic eruption that sent a ripple effect across the Pacific and around the world.
The government launched the official humanitarian drive for Tonga on Thursday, accepting donations from the community.
A call center was set up to accept pledges and drop off locations for donated goods.
The drive will continue for another week.
The American Samoa government's humanitarian relief drive for Tonga has raised thousands of dollars Photo: American Samoa government
American Samoa has a large Tongan population.
The local Tongan Community started a relief drive last Saturday for supplies to be sent next month to their homeland.
A tent had been set up at Nu'uuli and Tongan leader, Tevita Paea said most of their families in Tonga have no homes, water, food or clothing.
He appealed to people in American Samoa to donate those items or whatever they could spare.
Mr Paea said everything from clothes to food, bedding, cooking utensils, water and school supplies will be sent to Tonga on 15 February.
USA contributions to relief efforts in Tonga
The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, is providing an additional US$2.5 million in humanitarian assistance to support people affected by volcanic eruptions and tsunami waves in Tonga.
USAID is providing critical water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies and supporting disease prevention messaging campaigns to reduce the spread of infectious disease.
USS SAMPSON conducts a replenishment at sea with the New Zealand oiler HMNZS Aotearoa (A11) as they support disaster relief efforts in Tonga. Photo: USA Government
USAID will also work through partners to address food security, agriculture, livestock, and shelter needs among the most affected populations.
This new funding is in addition to an initial US$100,000 in immediate assistance and long-standing programs in Tonga that are already responding to urgent needs.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL-752) is also underway to join assistance efforts.
The USAID-USGS Volcano Disaster Assistance Program is preparing to ship volcano monitoring equipment for use when international experts are able to provide onsite technical assistance to the Tonga Geological Services in the coming weeks.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is monitoring the situation at the volcano remotely.
U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is implementing emergency volcano tsunami alert protocols and co-ordinating tsunami impact data collection in Tonga to bolster future tsunami response.
