Typhoon Gita: Travelling to the Pacific 🇦🇺🇫🇯🇹🇴

01/12/18 05:07

February 2018: Humanitarian Response in Tonga after Typhoon Gita

In February 2018, after an exhausting journey from Bangkok to Sydney, I continued my travels to the Pacific, first stopping in Fiji before reaching Tonga, where I was deployed for a humanitarian response following the devastating impact of Typhoon Gita. The mission was a challenging but eye-opening experience, filled with moments of both hardship and hope.

Stopover in Suva, Fiji

Before reaching Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu, I spent two days in Suva, the capital of Fiji. This stopover was an essential part of the mission, as it allowed me to meet with key humanitarian actors from regional headquarters and representatives from the European Union Delegation. Together, we discussed the best strategies to bring aid to the affected communities in Tonga. It was crucial to align efforts and ensure that assistance reached those most in need in an efficient and coordinated manner.

Beyond the meetings, I also had the opportunity to explore Suva, a lively and culturally rich city. Walking along the waterfront, observing the colonial-era architecture, and experiencing the warmth of the Fijian people was a great way to immerse myself in the unique atmosphere of the South Pacific. Fiji’s blend of indigenous traditions, Indian influences, and Western modernity made it an incredibly fascinating place to visit, even if just for a short while.

Arrival in Tonga and the Aftermath of Typhoon Gita

Upon arriving in Tonga, I was met with the stark realities of Typhoon Gita’s devastation. The typhoon, which struck in February 2018, was one of the strongest cyclones to hit the country in decades. Packing winds of over 230 km/h (140 mph), it caused extensive damage to Tongatapu, the most populous island, and the nearby island of ‘Eua. Thousands of homes were destroyed or severely damaged, infrastructure was crippled, and agricultural lands were flooded or rendered useless by saltwater intrusion. Schools, hospitals, and places of worship were left in ruins, and many families were left without access to basic services.

The experience of witnessing the destruction firsthand was deeply moving. Seeing entire communities struggle to rebuild their lives after such a catastrophe is always humbling. However, amidst the devastation, what truly stood out was the resilience and strength of the Tongan people. Hundreds of locals were already working tirelessly in the rescue and recovery efforts, demonstrating an extraordinary sense of unity and compassion. Whether it was clearing debris, providing food and shelter, or supporting one another emotionally, their determination and optimism were truly inspiring.

The Humanitarian Response

My work in Tonga focused on assessing the humanitarian needs and supporting the coordination of aid distribution among various humanitarian partners, including NGOs, local authorities, and international organisations such as the Red Cross. We prioritised assistance in areas such as:
• Shelter: Providing emergency housing materials for families who had lost their homes.
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Ensuring that affected communities had access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities to prevent disease outbreaks.
• Food Security: Distributing emergency food supplies and planning longer-term support to restore agricultural activities.
• Education and Protection: Working to ensure that children could return to school as quickly as possible and that vulnerable groups, such as women and the elderly, were adequately supported.

Despite the logistical challenges of operating in remote island environments, the humanitarian response was well-coordinated, thanks to the strong collaboration between the local government, international partners, and the incredible efforts of community volunteers.

The Beauty and Hospitality of Tonga

While the mission was undoubtedly challenging, it was impossible not to be enchanted by the beauty of Tonga. The country, known as the “Friendly Islands,” lives up to its name in every sense. The hospitality of the Tongan people was heartwarming, and their deep cultural heritage was evident in everything—from their traditional dances and music to their cuisine and spiritual resilience.

The natural beauty of the islands, with their pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and clear turquoise waters, was breathtaking. Despite the damage caused by the typhoon, the islands retained their captivating charm. Visiting local markets, tasting delicious Tongan dishes, and witnessing the strong cultural traditions left me with unforgettable memories.

Return Journey via Sydney

After completing the mission, I made my way back to Bangkok with a two-day stopover in Sydney. This unexpected break allowed me to explore parts of the vibrant Australian city, including the iconic Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the bustling neighbourhoods of Darling Harbour and The Rocks. It was a fantastic opportunity to decompress after the intense deployment and appreciate the contrast between the dynamic urban life of Sydney and the serene yet resilient landscapes of Tonga.

Reflecting on the Mission

The humanitarian response to Typhoon Gita was a reminder of both the fragility of island nations in the face of climate change and the incredible resilience of their people. Tonga’s experience underscored the importance of disaster preparedness and long-term recovery planning to help communities better withstand future shocks.

This mission was a mix of emotions—deep sorrow for the loss and destruction, immense admiration for the Tongan people’s strength, and a sense of accomplishment in being able to contribute to the relief efforts, however small my role may have been.

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Typhoon Gita: Travelling to the Pacific 🇦🇺🇫🇯🇹🇴