The Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai (HTHH) volcanic eruption on 15 January 2022, marked a significant natural disaster, being the largest eruption since Krakatoa in 1883. This catastrophic event triggered massive tsunami waves, reaching up to 15 meters, impacting the west coasts of Tongatapu, ‘Eua, and Ha’apai. The eruption resulted in thick ash clouds that shrouded these areas in darkness and covered the land with a heavy layer of ash.The eruption severely damaged both international and domestic undersea telecommunications, severely limiting information flow from Tonga in the immediate aftermath.
Surveillance flights by the New Zealand Defence Force and Australian Defence Forces on 17 January 2022, revealed extensive damage to houses, roads, water tanks, and other infrastructure in the affected areas. In response to the widespread devastation, the Prime Minister of Tonga declared a state of emergency on 18 January 2022, effective from the day after the eruption. This declaration led to the Tongan government and the Tonga Red Cross Society (TRCS) seeking international assistance for disaster response. The limited availability of resources and relief supplies in Tonga at the outset of the disaster compounded the difficulties. With the need for immediate aid, the TRCS and its partners had to mobilize quickly to ensure that essential relief items, including shelter materials, food, water, and medical supplies, could reach those in need. However, the disrupted transportation networks, damaged infrastructure, and logistical constraints made the distribution of aid a complex and demanding task.
Despite these formidable challenges, the TRCS, along with its Red Cross Red Crescent partners and other actors, mobilized a significant number of volunteers and resources to respond swiftly to the disaster. Their dedication and tireless efforts were instrumental in addressing the pressing needs of the affected communities and laying the foundation for a comprehensive and sustained recovery process.
Tragically, the disaster directly resulted in three confirmed fatalities, with one additional indirect death. The eruption’s occurrence during daylight hours, accompanied by loud sonic booms, played a crucial role in minimizing fatalities and injuries, as people quickly moved away from the coastlines. Early government estimates indicated that about 84 per cent of the population, or 84,176 people across Tongatapu, Ha’apai, and ‘Eua, were affected, mainly by the ashfall. Initially, around 3,000 individuals were displaced, including evacuees from islands severely impacted by the event. While most have since returned to their communities, some families from the most severely affected islands remain displaced in Tongatapu.
Two years have passed since the volcanic eruption in Tonga, and while the nation has made strides towards recovery, particularly in the resumption of tourism activities, there are lingering challenges that persist, especially in the main and outer islands. Many communities continue to patiently await the fulfilment of the government-led tsunami home recovery efforts, highlighting the enduring impact of the eruption on the affected populations and the ongoing necessity for comprehensive recovery strategies.
One significant hurdle in the recovery process has been the government's decision-making approach regarding the strategy for complete rehabilitation of those affected. While the household program remains in progress, there are still homes left unfinished, causing understandable frustration among the affected residents. The Tongan government has pledged to complete these homes by June 2023, with pressure coming from various quarters, including other government agencies, TRCS, UN agencies, and even the Royal family. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that a more substantial legislative framework within the Tongan Parliament may be necessary to expedite and ensure the successful completion of the recovery process.