Amata Updates U.S. Aid Efforts Following Tonga Volcanic Eruption and Tsunami

Statement

Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata requested information from the U.S. government Tuesday on the status of U.S. participation in aid efforts for the Kingdom of Tonga, which was devastated this weekend by volcanic ash and tsunami waves, with unknown loss of life, major damages, and an outage of the undersea cable communications services.

"Tonga has major needs for international assistance, and the U.S. is moving to support efforts by Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific region nations to provide help to the people of Tonga," Congresswoman Amata said. "An initial grant of $100,000 in USAID funds has been approved, focused on the most immediate needs of emergency shelter and drinking water. A U.S. Navy vessel is also in the region at readiness for any lifesaving response effort that might be needed."

"I spoke with U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Tony Greubel in Fiji, who served for years in Samoa," Amata continued. "He officially declared the disaster on January 16th so the U.S. could respond. I want to wish him, the staff there, and any emergency personnel responding all the best from American Samoa as they are likely to be working around the clock in the days ahead."

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