Tonga has received a third drought preparedness insurance payout from the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC), with funding aimed at helping vulnerable communities prepare before dry conditions worsen in parts of the country.

Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua accepted the payment of US$33,978 (TOP$78,981) on Friday. The payout will support early drought preparedness measures in Ha’apai, which received US$18,480, and Tongatapu, allocated US$15,498.

The funds are intended to strengthen community resilience through anticipatory action before drought conditions intensify.

The cheque was presented by PCRIC Board Chair Siosiua ‘Utoikamanu, Chief Executive Officer ‘Aholotu Palu and Chief Finance Officer Kilisitina Tuaimei’api. They were joined by representatives of PCRIC’s development partners, including Akihiko Nakano for the Government of Japan and Melissa Williams for the United Kingdom, alongside Laitia Fifita of the Tonga Meteorological Services.

The Government said the funding reflects the value of disaster risk financing that provides rapid access to resources before emergencies escalate. Officials acknowledged PCRIC and its international partners for supporting resilience-building and ensuring funding is available when climate hazards threaten communities.

The latest payment follows earlier drought insurance payouts triggered in the Niua Islands after below-average rainfall, making Tonga one of the first Pacific countries to receive support under PCRIC’s drought insurance mechanism.

The scheme provides pre-arranged finance based on weather conditions rather than damage assessments, allowing governments to act quickly.

As climate change increases the frequency and severity of drought across the Pacific, Tonga continues expanding financial tools designed to strengthen preparedness and reduce the social and economic impacts of extreme weather events.