US$500

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.

“An estimated 84% of Tonga’s population was affected by this twin disaster,” said ADB Director General for the Pacific Leah Gutierrez. “This grant will help the government with its immediate relief efforts which are focused on the provision of food; nonfood items, including water containers, hygiene kits, and household items; shelter; and clean-up of the ashfall.”