Relief

The eruption that happened on the afternoon of 15 January 2022 echoed sonic blasts across the Pacific region and sent volcanic ash cloud and tsunamic waves across neighboring countries. The event caused devastating impacts on Tonga with economic damage worth US$90.4 million, according to the recent assessment report by World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery.

President David Panuelo approved the assistance from the General Fund of the FSM.

“To the People & Kingdom of Tonga, the people & Government of the FSM extend to you peace, friendship, cooperation, and love in our common humanity. You are with us in our hearts and minds, and we pray for your swift recovery. In the meantime, we extend to you our Blue Pacific solidarity and unity,” he said.

The World Bank said the violent volcanic eruption, tsunami and ashfall in Tonga has caused an estimated $US 90.4 million in damages.

Churches, village organizations, civic groups, businesses and individuals showed their alofa (love) throughout the day, heeding an appeal by Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga to help "our brothers and sisters, mothers, fathers and children now trying to get by after the devastation and loss caused by the volcanic eruption and tsunami."

Governor Lemanu had also asked all government employees to contribute to the administration's fundraising drive for Tonga.