Tonga Volcanic Eruption Relief Efforts

UNA Fiji was invited by the Pacific Islands’ Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO), the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), and the Civil Society Forum of Tonga (CSFT) to help pack a 40-foot shipping container’s worth of relief items for the people of Tonga after they were affected by the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption on 14 January 2022. Minister of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Mr. Inia Seruiratu was in attendance to motivate and bless the relief initiative by making the shipping container available with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).

This relief initiative was themed: “CSO accountability for affected population” and tremendously mobilised and organised active Fijian citizens, and the Tongan diaspora and expat community, to offer helping hands to our neighbours.

This volcanic event resulted in 15-metre-high tsunami waves hitting the Tongan shore and affecting nations around it such as Fiji, American Samoa, Vanuatu, and along the Pacific rim, including damaging tsunamis in New Zealand, Japan, the United States, the Russian Far East, Chile, and Peru. At least three people were killed, some were injured, and many remain missing in Tonga.

Our hearts and spirits are with our Tongan brothers and sisters. We believe that they shall rebuild better and stronger with their faith, themselves, and the solidarity of the Pacific and beyond.

With Class, Dignity, and Elegance-

#RiseUpTonga

#PIANGOKaingoSolidarity

#FijiTongaRelief

#ActiveFijianCitizens