Tonga

Tropical cyclones are a regular threat to economic activity and potentially destructive to infrastructure and livelihoods. Tonga is classified as the second most at-risk country in the world in terms of its exposure and susceptibility to natural hazards and the unfolding effects of climate change. CARE first started operations in Tonga in 2017, working with MORDI Tonga Trust undertaking emergency preparedness in communities. Both organisations responded to Cyclone Gita, providing Shelter, WASH, and livelihoods support to over 10,000 people on ‘Eau and Tongatapu. CARE continues to work with MORDI to support disaster risk reduction activities.

CARE in the Pacific

Though spanning more than 10,000 square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean, the people of the Pacific face many of the same challenges, including pervasive gender inequality, limited economic opportunities, and high vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters. Services in the Pacific’s often remote areas are limited, so many people don’t have access to clean water sources, basic sanitation and essential health CARE, which is particularly critical because of the frequency and impact of natural disasters in the region. Despite a growing economy, income opportunities are also limited, particularly for women. Violence against women and girls is a serious social and economic problem across the Pacific, and women are underrepresented in local and national decision making.

CARE has been working in the Pacific for almost three decades, with country offices in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu and projects in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Samoa. We work with and support local partners across the region, including the Pacific NGO Live & Learn, the Pacific Red Cross Societies and MORDI Tonga Trust.