The eruption, and subsequent tsunami and ash fall impacted about 85 percent of Tonga’s population, destroyed or damaged more than 600 buildings, and significantly impacted crops.
Paula Ma’u heads up the Tongan Government department that responds to disasters.
He’s stressed the eruption has altered their thinking.
“Most recently of course the unpresented events our country faced in January this year brought our daily disaster risk very much to the foreground,” Mr Ma’u said.
The discussions were part of the Pacific response to disaster displacement project.
