TONGA has received a second parametric insurance payout of TOP$114,168 from the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) to support early drought preparedness efforts in the Niua Islands.
This follows below-average rainfall in May. The Niua Group comprises Niuafoʻou, Niuatoputapu and Tafahi in Tonga’s far north.
The payout was presented to Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua by PCRIC Chief Executive Officer, Aholotu Palu.
Also attending the presentation was the United Kingdom’s Deputy High Commissioner to Tonga, Melissa Williams, recognising the UK’s role as one of PCRIC’s major development partners.
Palu stressed the importance of the timely deployment of the funds to support relief efforts for communities in the Niua Group.
Discussions also explored opportunities for Tonga to expand the use of parametric insurance to strengthen resilience across critical sectors, including energy, communications and information technology infrastructure.
Williams reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening climate resilience across the Pacific, drawing on her previous experience working with PCRIC during her posting to the Solomon Islands.
The Tongan Government acknowledged PCRIC and its development partners for their continued support in helping Pacific nations prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate-related disasters.
