The European Union has today endorsed the mobilization of $5.3 million to the Kingdom of Tonga to support recovery efforts following the significant damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Gita in February this year.

The EU states that Cyclone Gita made landfall on the islands Tongatapu and Eua on 12th February and damages are substantial as most of the country remains without electricity.

It says the capital of Nuku'alofa is still largely paralyzed by extensive floods and debris blocking most of the roads and around 20 percent of Tongatapu's houses were damaged or destroyed.

It says 4,521 people, or 5 percent of the population of Tongatapu island are displaced in 108 evacuation centers. Floods and stagnant water, still present in many parts of the town, combined with destruction of infrastructure providing safe potable water to the residents of the country prompt fears of possible disease outbreaks.