Tonga Tsunami recovery
We’re continuing to work with the Tonga Red Cross National Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), three years after an eruption and tsunami severely damaged the island nation.
When disaster struck Tonga, your compassion and support made an extraordinary difference. The Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai underwater volcano near Tonga erupted on 15 January 2022, causing a tsunami that flooded Tonga’s coastlines and covered many of its islands in ash.
An estimated 86,000 people — 84 percent of the population of Tonga — were affected by the eruption and tsunami. More than 500 houses and many businesses were damaged or destroyed.
We are helping Tonga
Thanks to the overwhelming response to our emergency appeal, together we raised NZD$3 million to support the initial response and ongoing recovery. Your contributions not only addressed immediate needs but are also helping build a stronger, more resilient future for the people of Tonga. The response and recovery effort following a disaster, such as rebuilding homes, infrastructure and the economy, is a complex undertaking that requires a long-term, coordinated international effort. The impacts of the event, and the subsequent work on building resilience in the community are ongoing.
In the initial aftermath, your kindness enabled us to send emergency supplies to Tonga including blankets, tarpaulins, lanterns, masks, and kitchen sets providing comfort and relief during an incredibly challenging time.
You also made it possible for two of our international delegates specialising in financial management to support Tonga Red Cross with the planning and management of recovery projects.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak in Tonga early in 2022, one delegate worked remotely and the second delegate was able to travel to Tonga in November that year.
Our Pacific Programmes Manager also went to Tonga twice to work with Tonga Red Cross, the IFRC and the Tongan government to assess the areas of need so we can make sure our funding has the most impact.
We formed a bilateral partnership with Tonga Red Cross to build a vital evacuation centre on Hafeva Island. The Centre will be a safe haven for the community in future emergencies and a cornerstone in enhancing the community’s resilience and capacity to respond to future emergencies.
Together, we contributed to a global Red Cross response that provided financial assistance to those who needed temporary housing, food, water, and other supplies. But your support didn’t stop there.
Your donations, also contributed to vital work strengthening resilience for future disasters as well as the initial response. For example, there are now 2,000 essential hygiene kits on hand for a future event, and training has been provided for local volunteers.
Crucially, a disaster preparedness framework has been created, working alongside other Tongan agencies, enhancing preparedness for the cyclone season and developing robust response plans to tackle the challenges posed by potential El Niño weather related events.
The journey of recovery is long lasting and so is your impact. We’re continuing to work with the Tonga Red Cross and the IFRC to help ensure that the people of Tonga have the resources and resilience they need for future challenges.
Thank you for your help
On behalf of the families and communities you’ve helped, thank you. The Pacific Tsunami Appeal is now closed.
If you’re interested in learning more or supporting our ongoing work right across the Pacific, please see information about our work with Pacific Partners.