On 15 January, a large eruption occurred in the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano. The eruption emitted a 5km wide plume of ash, steam and gas 20km above the volcano.
The volcanic eruption and tsunami that hit Tonga have caused widespread damage throughout the country and caused ripples around the world. Although communication within the country is limited, reports and aerial surveillance are starting to show the extent of the damage.
Australian Red Cross provides funding and training to Tonga Red Cross, to help them prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters, just like the volcanic eruption and tsunami we are seeing now, all year round. This vital funding helps ensure Tonga Red Cross is able to cover their core operating costs, train their emergency response teams, help communities prepare for future disasters, during and after a disaster, and are able to provide essential relief items to people in need.
Access to safe and clean drinking water as water sources remain contaminated from volcanic ash and sea water Support with emergency shelter and repairs to housing, especially for communities near the coastline Essential items to help families get by like kitchen kits, solar lanterns and hygiene supplies. Support for families to mitigate health risks like Dengue Fever with distributions of mosquito nets. Support for restoring family links due to the breakdown of communications
