Where We Work
Tonga
Tonga is a Polynesian kingdom of more than 170 South Pacific islands, many of them uninhabited. It lies within the Ring of Fire where intense seismic activities occur.
The economy of Tonga is highly dependent on climate sensitive sectors such agriculture, fisheries and tourism. Extreme weather events and climate change can have a significant impact on these sectors and affect sources of income.  Â
Tupou and her grandson, Gabriel, outside their home in Tonga. Photo: Nicole Chehine/Caritas Australia
Program Snapshot: Hunga Tonga – Hunga Ha’apai (HTHH) Recovery Response
The Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption affected more than 84% of Tonga’s population. We are working with Caritas Tonga to help communities recover from the disaster through psychosocial support and the construction of an evacuation centre and warehouse for future emergencies.
The impact of your support in Tonga
Feleti and his family were affected by the devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami in 2022.
Families are resilient and prepared for future disasters.
60-year-old Tupou lives in Tonga with her husband, son, daughter, son-in-law and grandson near the beach. Credit: Nicole Chehine.
Traumatised families can receive psychosocial support.
Caritas Tonga staff pre-positioning supplies. Photo credit: Caritas Tonga
A warehouse can be constructed to house essential supplies for future emergencies.
The aftermath of the Tonga volcano eruption and tsunami. Photo: Caritas Tonga
A new evacuation centre will ensure that community members have a safe shelter during times of disasters.
60-year-old Tupou lives in Tonga with her husband, son, daughter, son-in-law and grandson near the beach and experienced the trauma of the Tonga volcanic eruption. Photo: Caritas Tonga
Tupou's story
60-year-old Tupou is one of the thousands of people affected by the volcano and tsunami eruption in 2022. She lives in Tonga with her husband, son, daughter, son-in-law and grandson on a street back from the beach. Tupou was eagerly anticipating the impending birth of her grandson when the volcano erupted. Â
On the day of the eruption, she heard loud booms like cannons coming from out at sea and she was extremely frightened. The Hunga Ha’apai volcano that has been smoking for days, was now spewing great amounts of smoke.  Â
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Caritas Tonga supported Tupou with water purifying tablets, blankets, food and other essential supplies after the disaster to help recover from the disaster.Â
Tupou was also supported with psychosocial support to prepare and be ready for future disasters. A trained professional counsellor helped Tupou and her community deal with the trauma of the tsunami and also to prepare for any other disasters. She has realised how underprepared she was – both psychologically and physically. And this is the same for much of Tonga. They are a country traumatised and scared – the support is so needed.   Â
I now feel better prepared mentally, physically and spiritually.
Why is Tonga vulnerable to volcanic eruptions and tsunamis?
When a volcano erupted in January 2022, it devastated more than 84% of Tonga’s population.
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