Tonga: ‘The most frightening and terrifying event’

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.

Above: The distribution of prepositioned supplies in the aftermath of the eruption and tsunami.

We were able to provide important teaching supplies like desks, chairs, and computers to St Joseph's Secondary School in Pangai, Ha'apai. As a result, students could go back to school sooner than anticipated.

“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.”

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.

Distribution of vital supplies, including the transport of food crops and parcels from Parishes on mainland Tongatapu, highlights the importance of a locally driven disaster response, and the immense impact of our monthly supporters.