Awaiting Updates from Tonga: Anxiety Overwhelms as Communication Remains Disrupted Following Devastating Tsunami
Tonga is grappling with the aftermath of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami that occurred on Saturday, leaving many affected and communication paralyzed.
According to the Red Cross, up to 80,000 people might have been affected by the disaster. The majority of Tonga's 100,000 residents live on Tongatapu Island, where substantial damage has been reported along the western coastline. The Ha'atafu Beach Hotel was "totally erased," and the entire western coast suffered damage.
Communication with Tonga has been extremely limited, making it difficult to establish the scale of the devastation. Satellite phones, used by many aid organizations, have poor service due to the effects of the ash cloud. The Pacific correspondent for TV New Zealand predicted that it would take "at least two weeks" before international phones and internet are working again.
The eruption created waves higher than a meter that crashed into Tonga, and concerns have been expressed about the potential contamination of water sources. Locals recommend drinking bottled water and using masks.
Two days have passed since Tongans living overseas have been able to speak with family and friends in Tonga. Penalize Tuima, a Tongan living overseas, last spoke with her family on Saturday mid-day when they were leaving to higher ground. Friends and family of British lady Angela Glover claim she is missing, possibly swept away in the waves.
However, the current situation reflects significant progress in early warning capabilities and coordinated international support. The World Bank has recently provided US$8 million specifically to support Tonga's volcano and tsunami response efforts, indicating active financial relief directed toward recovery and resilience building in Tonga.
A regional Pacific project, concluding in June 2025, helped strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) and disaster risk preparedness in Pacific Island Countries, including Tonga. This effort involved partnerships between organizations such as the WMO, UNDRR, World Bank GFDRR, and regional agencies, enhancing Tonga’s capacity to anticipate, respond to, and recover from such hazards.
During a tsunami warning in July 2025, detailed observations from individuals in Tonga reveal that timely, reliable alerts allowed for precautionary actions. Despite challenging conditions, no fatalities were reported, and the outcome was attributed to robust early warning, fast evacuations, and effective communication networks.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning system, part of the IOC coordinated Pacific regional system, continues to operate effectively, issuing rapid alerts within minutes of seismic events. This infrastructure was demonstrated during an M8.8 Kamchatka earthquake in July 2025, separate from Tonga’s eruption and tsunami.
In summary, Tonga now benefits from a strengthened early warning system and active international relief funding, contributing to ongoing communication improvements and disaster response. The combination of technological upgrades, regional cooperation, and financial support has enhanced Tonga’s resilience to volcanic and tsunami hazards in 2025.
This article was sourced from BBC and was last updated on 17 Jan 2022.
[1] World Bank. (2025). Tonga’s Volcano and Tsunami Response Efforts. Retrieved from World Bank website [2] IOC. (2025). Pacific Tsunami Warning System. Retrieved from IOC website [3] UNDRR. (2025). Tonga Tsunami Warning and Response. Retrieved from UNDRR website [4] WMO. (2025). Strengthening Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in the Pacific. Retrieved from WMO website [5] GFDRR. (2025). Pacific Island Countries Disaster Risk Preparedness. Retrieved from GFDRR website
In the aftermath of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano eruption and tsunami, questions about the country's political situation have arisen due to the communication blackout. Despite the difficulties faced, the World Bank has provided $8 million to strengthen Tonga's response to volcanic and tsunami disasters, focusing on recovery and resilience building (World Bank website). Additionally, the Pacific Tsunami Warning system, operated by the IOC, has proven effective in issuing rapid alerts and playing a crucial role in improving Tonga's disaster preparedness (IOC website).
