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The Minister for the Overseas Territories explained that the UK government is working to support the local government of Tristan da Cunha after severe storms.

Tristan da Cunha, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, has been hit by severe storms this week. The UK Government is working with the local government to help the island get back on its feet.

To help, funding has been principally agreed for emergency repairs. Contractors to help with repairs have been identified and are on standby to travel to the island next week.

Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Overseas Territories, yesterday said:

Our quick response to the storms in Tristan de Cunha, which is in the South Atlantic, embodies the broader preparedness work the UK government is doing to be ready for the 2019 hurricane season in the Caribbean.

Hurricanes Irma and Maria left some Overseas Territories badly affected in 2017. We are working closely with all Territories so they are better prepared for natural disasters before they strike.

To further the UK’s quick response to the storms on Tristan, the Foreign Office is looking at options to send an engineer and equipment to the island to restore FCO’s satellite link, which provides phone and internet to the whole island.

The Administrator is currently off-Island (in the UK), but is in contact with his team via satellite phone and is making plans to return on the relief ship next week.

The UK’s Governor, resident on nearby Overseas Territory St Helena, and the Foreign Office are exploring other options for assistance.

Island representatives have thanked the UK for their quick response.

Further information

• Follow Lord Ahmad on Twitter @TariqAhmadbt
• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn

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