We have a long standing relationship with Caritas Tonga, and following disaster events we connect with their teams to gather information on the needs on the ground. These teams then distribute our pre-positioned emergency supplies to communities as soon as possible. These supplies include tarpaulins for shelter, hygiene kits, first aid kits, and even kitchen sets among other things.

The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano, and subsequent tsunami in January 2022 caused widespread devastation across the dispersed island nation of Tonga.

Early estimates indicated that 85% of Tonga’s population were affected by the disaster, with much of the country’s vital infrastructure decimated by the eruption or tsunami.

During emergencies like this an immediate response is vital to ensuring the preservation of life and provision of essential supplies.

Caritas Tonga staff, Parish Committee members, and volunteers provided essential items like food, sanitary supplies, repair supplies, tarpaulins, buckets, jerry cans, and hygiene kits. These supplies were strategically prepositioned for quick response during emergencies.

“The people of Tonga are still living in fear; thunder and lightning have become alarming to many as it brings back memories of the most frightening and terrifying event in the history of our small nation.”