On Saturday, January 15th, a tsunami and its resulting shock waves were caused by an eight minute eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano. The underwater volcano is located about 40 miles north of the coast of Tongatapu, an island that is one of 170 islands in the South Pacific that comprise the kingdom of Tonga. Tongatapu holds about 70% of the kingdom’s population. Plumes of ash filled the atmosphere after the eruption which could be seen thousands of miles away.

Volcanic activity had begun in December, but had decreased notably by January 3, 2022. However, less than two weeks later, it erupted, causing serious damage and repercussions across the Pacific with four foot tsunami waves traveling as far as California’s coast. The coast of Southern and Central America were also on alert, experiencing the resulting shock waves. Two women off the coast of Peru were killed by the tsunami that hit.

About 84,000 citizens, 80% of Tonga’s population, were affected by this natural disaster. Livestock have been killed and water has been contaminated. Now, one of the biggest concerns for the inhabitants of the islands of Tonga is water supply.

Tonga has experienced numerous natural disasters in recent years. Category 5 tropical storms Cyclone Gita and Cyclone Harold created lasting effects on the islands, costing the nation hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and extensive flooding. 

Incredibly, the nation has only had one case of COVID 19 throughout the entire pandemic. However, they have struggled economically. They were forced to close their borders in March of 2020. Their economy took a direct hit, as tourism comprises about 12% of their GDP. Because the nation closed their borders, this makes it difficult for other countries to provide aid. However, countries like New Zealand, Australia, and the United States have offered support to the island nation. Exactly how they plan to support the country remains a bit unclear, but a New Zealand Defense Force reconnaissance flight is set to head for Tonga. United States Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken has offered his condolences and confirmed that the U.S. will provide aid when necessary. Once communication and access to the islands improves and is deemed safe, support will come in greater abundance.

The underwater communication cable, the sole device that connects the island nation to the rest of the world, was severely damaged due to the eruption. Repairs are expected to take several weeks, further isolating the nation and threatening their communication for help. Due to the damaged cable, information with outer islands is limited as well, therefore it is unclear the extent of the damage.

After several days of all airports being closed throughout the island nation, Fua’amotu International Airport has begun to send flights to neighboring countries to bring relief to the islands’ inhabitants. More information is continuing to be uncovered and communication and transportation are beginning to open up again, but it is still too soon to assess all of the damage.