Wellington, 16 February 2010. – UNICEF is sending an emergency co-ordinator to Tonga, with other staff and relief supplies on standby.

UNICEF NZ Executive Director, Dennis McKinlay, says that staff have been monitoring the cyclone closely and are on standby to deploy.

“Our emergency co-ordinator for the Pacific, based in Suva, is set to go to Nukualofa on the main island of Tongatapu. He will be part of the emergency response, including providing a clearer picture of the humanitarian need and co-ordinating aid supplies.

“UNICEF has emergency supplies in the region, such as water containers, water purification tablets and tarpaulins, that can be drawn on as needed.”