Tonga - Volcanic Eruptions and Tsunami Fact Sheet #2 Fiscal Year (FY) 2022

This fact sheet outlines the humanitarian situation in Tonga following the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami in January 2022. It presents key figures on affected and displaced populations, damage to housing and infrastructure, and priority needs across sectors such as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), shelter, food security, livelihoods, health, and protection. The document situates the disaster within the broader context of Tonga’s vulnerability as a Small Island Developing State facing compound risks.

The report summarizes ongoing damage and needs assessments conducted by the Government of Tonga and international partners, noting widespread impacts from ashfall, tsunami inundation, and disruption of essential services. It highlights damage to freshwater systems, agriculture, fisheries, housing, and telecommunications infrastructure, including the severing of the undersea communications cable. The fact sheet also documents how the disaster response was complicated by COVID-19 transmission and related movement restrictions, affecting relief delivery and coordination.

The document further details national, international, and U.S. Government response actions, including funding allocations, cluster coordination, and sector-specific interventions in WASH, food security, shelter, health, and early recovery. It emphasizes the need for sustained humanitarian assistance through at least mid-2022 and underscores the importance of preparedness, disaster risk reduction, and improved monitoring and early warning systems to strengthen resilience against future volcanic and tsunami hazards.