PRESS RELEASE - World Bank Disaster Assessment Report

  • February 15, 2022 By hpalu
  • Time to read 1 minute
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World Bank Disaster Assessment Report estimates damages following Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami at TOP$208m (US$90M)

A World Bank assessment for the Government of Tonga has found the Tonga HungaTonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption, tsunami and ashfall has caused an estimated T$208m (US$90M) in damages – the equivalent of approximately 18.5% of Tonga’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Following a request from the Government of Tonga, the World Bank undertook a rapid post-disaster damage assessment deploying the GRADE methodology.

The report found that the cost of damages to residential buildings was TOP 33.8 million (US$14.9 million). The cost of damage to non-residential buildings was TOP 65.3 million (US$28.8 million), this includes damages to sectors such as tourism, health facilities, schools, public administrative buildings, church buildings, commercial offices and private sector buildings. The cost of infrastructure damage TOP 47.4 million (US$20.9 million) includes damages to sectors transport, power and water, wharfs, ports and airports, and the submarine cable. The cost of agriculture, forestry and fishing TOP 47.4 million (US$20.9 million) refers to damages to crops and livestock and fishery sector.

In line with the Government of Tongs own assessment and the Bank’s GRADE approach, these numbers represent the replacement value to damaged structures, as opposed to building back better to a higher standard of a building code.

“Despite the limitations and challenges faced due to damage to the submarine fiber optic cable and COVID-19 restrictions hampering efforts to carry out ground assessments, the Government is pleased the World Bank has been able to deliver this critical report.” said Hon. Tatafu Moeaki Minister for Finance. The report was delivered in compliance with the COVID 19 restrictions as the GRADE is a remote, desk-based, rapid damage assessment method deployed soon after a disaster. Furthermore, he said. “The approach is based on scientific, economic and engineering data and analysis, which help inform disaster recovery and reconstruction processes for Government.