Tonga finally gets help - 26th January 2022

Tonga is finally getting some help after a big disaster. On 15th January, a volcano and tsunami caused enormous damage there.

The underwater Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano had a big eruption. It could be seen from space and was heard in Alaska. Ash and gas travelled 30 kilometres into the air, and across the Pacific. The eruption created a tsunami wave. It hit countries across the ocean, like Japan and the USA.

In New Zealand, Tongan people collected supplies for the islands. The double disaster hit 80 percent of the country.

New Zealand politician Jenny Sales is Tongan.

Jenny Sales: "There are just over 70 thousand Tongans here in New Zealand. And we know that about 80 percent of Tonga is affected by this. This natural disaster is different to cyclones in the past, right, which has only affected parts of Tonga, or Ha'apai, or Vavaʻu or Ongo Niua. This one, twin disasters, has affected the majority of, of Tonga and so it is a huge concern for us."

Food and water were sent to Tonga. It's possible that the volcanic ash has polluted fresh water on the islands. Tongan politician Fatafehi Fakafanua explains that they're going to need lots of help.

Fatafehi Fakafanua: "It's good to see such an early response. But I think what's important is the ongoing response because it won't end here. One week, two weeks from now, I think, I'm sure in two months, we'll still need support. So, it's gonna be a long road to recovery and we hope that we'll continue to sustain this."

The explosion damaged phone and internet connections with Tonga. This has made it difficult to get a clear picture of the situation. But the people have shown their strength - they're rebuilding their homes and continuing with life on their islands.