19 December, 2025, 2:18 pm Central - 24°C Rain

Tongan govt says 85% of the population impacted by volcanic eruption

Tongan govt says 85% of the population impacted by volcanic eruption

By Semi Turaga
24/01/2022
Ha'afeva Island (Ha'apai Group). [Image: (Malau Media/ Facebook]

Tonga faces a long road to recovery, with most of the population affected by the violent eruption and tsunami that followed and many areas still scrambling to restore basic necessities.

The Tongan government says almost 85% of the country's population of about 105,000 people has been affected.

The death toll remains at three.

Telephone communications between the islands are still a major challenge.

Ships from Australia, the UK, Japan and the US are on their way to Tonga carrying supplies and personnel, as well as a New Zealand navy ship.

Two New Zealand navy ships and a Fijian vessel have already reached the island country, and two supply runs have been carried out by C-130 Hercules from New Zealand.

The Tongan government says aid deliveries arriving at sea are facing significant challenges since the volcanic fallout on the ocean surface is damaging ships.

Domestic flights remain suspended.

[Source:  RNZ]

FEATURE NEWS
Tudravu sends senior police officer on leave in relation to allegation of corrupt practices
The Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu has sent a senior officer on leave, to verify information in relation to an allegation of corrupt practices...
56 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
Bondi hero receives AUD$2.5 million cheque in hospital bed
Ahmed al Ahmed has received a novelty cheque for more than AUD$2.5 million raised by more than 43,000 worldwide donors, inspired by his extraordinary ...
1 hour ago

Health Ministry works with Ministry of Public Works to repair Navua Hospital
Following ongoing challenges at Navua Hospital, including the closure of its labour, general, and maternity wards since May this year, the Ministry ...
1 hour ago

Nadi braces for festive rush as outdoor sales fees drop to $30
Outdoor sales fees in Nadi Town have been significantly reduced for the festive period, a move expected to boost Christmas and New Year trading as ...
1 hour ago

PS Fisheries publicly reprimanded for wind turbine scandal but returns to work today as per Tribunal decision
As questions are raised on why the Permanent Secretary for Fisheries, Atelaite Rokosuka is starting work in her position again today after being ...
1 hour ago

Another Vishnu Holdings bus involved in accident in the North
A second accident involving a bus operated by Vishnu Holdings Limited has occurred in less than a month - this time the bus was stranded while ...
1 hour ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States has expressed serious concern about human trafficking indicators linked to the Grace Road Group in Fiji, as highlighted in the 2025 ...
19 hours ago

Human trafficking allegations and issues relating to Grace Road Group
Human trafficking allegations and concerns linked to the Grace Road Group/+ARTICLE-311061+ARTICLE/PM says Govt cannot interfere into any human ...
1 day ago

Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
7 days ago

TOP