Tonga's Niuatoputapu island facing food shortage

Oct. 22, 2009 - PRLog -- There is a considerable food and clean water shortage in the famous Niuatoputapu island in Tonga. The reason is September 30 2009 tsunami that destroyed several resources of the island, these include fishing boats, nets and several pandanus trees.

A lot of fresh water was also contaminated by tsunami waters and now  desalination equipment is being used to extract clean water from the sea. Families are running on food and donations from red cross, churches and other organizations is also dwindling.

The supplies on the shops is also low and locals are becoming increasingly dependent on their own root crops. Many people whose homes were destroyed in tsunami are now living in government/red cross provided shelters and tents. Several fishermen are too afraid to go to the sea for fishing because their confidense has been shaken. The tsunami waves were generated by an 8.3 magnitude earthquake which occurred between Niuatoputapu and Samoa.

Niuatoputapu island is 175 miles north of the main cluster of Tongan islands.  The island has an area of 6 square miles and   serves as a regular port of communication between Tonga and Samoa Islands. The population os the island is about 1000 people. Mata'aho airport can accept international flights. Niuatoputapu island is surrounded by a large reef. Hihifo is the largest village and has most governmental facilities like post office, school and police station.

About 80 yachts each year stop at the island and that is their main source of contact with the outside world. The main industry of the island is growing and processing of pandanus leaves, for making into mats and baskets. Niuatoputapu has some fine white beaches, especially on Hunganga Island where there's good swimming and snorkeling in the sheltered lagoon.

Although you do not find great night life and sopping, but it has one of the best authentic Polynesian islands and not transformed too much by the tourist resorts. Deep-sea fishing, fruit-bat colonies and whale-watching are other activities enjoyed by the tourists.


Prepared by Sneha
Independent Reporter
In collaboration with Saching (http://www.saching.com)