Restoring food security, water safety, and mental well-being following the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcanic eruption and Tonga tsunami disaster on 15 January 2022

Focal Areas: Disaster Response/Risk Reduction

About the Project

Tonga's Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai (HTHH) volcano erupted massively on 15 January 2022. The ashfall and associated tsunami have directly affected 84% of the population including Tongatapu, Ha'apai, 'Eua and Vava'u. Only 4 people were known to have died. The tsunami waves damaged homes, public infrastructure, impacted on groundwater, crops, gardens, trees, livestock and people. Livelihoods were disrupted and people have been affected emotionally. Ashfall has impacted many households where rainwater collection systems have been damaged. Initial relief efforts started and were hampered by an outbreak of community COVID transmission with the Omicron variant.

Christian World Service (CWS) provided support through its local partner, the Tonga Community Development Trust to respond to the devastation caused by the Hunga­Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai (HTHH) volcanic eruption and tsunami. It was aimed to alleviate the impact at the household (HH) and community level. The project targets the TCDT's strong Arna Takiloa women's network in Tongatapu, Ha'apai and 'Eua, in liaison with town and district officers, the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) and local NGO's.

Two women standing next to a vegetable garden with various green plants, surrounded by a rustic wooden fence. One woman is wearing a pink floral shirt, and the other is in a red top. There is a red flag in the garden.

Outcome

Food and water security, and mental well-being of population affected by the HTHH disaster have been rehabilitated.

  • planting of short-and longer-term crops and food producing trees

  • re-establish household and community gardens with topsoil

  • establish/re-establish housing for household flocks of chickens and ducks

Three people in a garden discussing plants with a car nearby and lush greenery in the background. The garden is full of green vegetable plants.

  • establish 20 household nurseries to provide local sources for the re-establishment of plants and fruit trees

  • provide water storage bottles and disinfection where it's still needed

  • repair existing rainwater harvesting systems (RHS)

  • provide psycho-social support training to empower local women's groups to offer ongoing counselling/support to their communities

Timeframe: March 2022 - March 2023

Logo of Christian World Service with the slogan "Action Against Poverty" and the actalliance symbol.

Location

Lapaha, Kolomotu'a, Sopu, 'lsileli, Ha'ateiho, Lomanilinita, 'Ananaa, Kolofo'ou

Activities

Small vegetable garden with leafy greens and banana plants

  • establish 20 household nurseries to provide local sources for the re-establishment of plants and fruit trees

  • provide water storage bottles and disinfection where it's still needed

  • repair existing rainwater harvesting systems (RHS)

Four people standing in a metal-fenced garden with green plants, near a red vehicle, banana trees, and a structure. A red and white flag is visible in the background.
Group of people standing indoors in a room with plastic chairs. Many are wearing traditional garments. One person is holding a child. They appear to be part of a formal or cultural gathering.