On January 15, underwater volcano Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai violently erupted, causing a major catastrophe for Tonga.
The powerful eruption triggered tsunami waves to hit the coastline and outer islands. Thick volcanic ash up to 10cm covers much of Tongatapu – rendering drinking water unusable. Families have been evacuated from the remote islands of Mango, Fonoifua, and ‘Atata after these islands were devastated by tsunami waves, with most homes destroyed.
Habitat for Humanity New Zealand has worked with our in-country partner Caritas Tonga for years, responding to the disasters that strike the region. Together we have successfully repaired and strengthened more than 800 homes damaged during cyclones Gita and Harold.
We will be working closely with our partners to respond to this devastating disaster, to reach the most vulnerable communities in need of vital repair work to their homes and sanitation facilities.
Thanks to kind and generous donations we can work alongside Tongan communities to rebuild their homes, and their lives.
