In the afternoon of 15 January at 16:20h, local time, the underwater volcano Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai located in the north of Tonga has started significant eruptions sending ash, steam and gas up to 20 kilometres into the air. The eruptions triggered a tsunami measuring up to 1.5m impacting Tonga, including the largest island Tongatapu, with tidal waves crossing the shoreline in the capital Nuku'alofa and flooding coastal roads and properties
The International Federation of Red Cross estimates up to 80,000 people could be affected (close to 80% of the country’s population) both from the inundation and contamination of water sources from the ash cloud.
With the support of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand and NZ’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Caritas Tonga has prepositioned supplies in warehouses in Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u that are fully stocked and ready based on needs assessments. The most urgent needs are drinking water, food and shelter.

It is also possible to make donations through a bank transfer.
Bank: Unicredit S.p.A.
Address: Via della Conciliazione 11b – ROMA
Beneficiary: Caritas Internationalis
Address: Palazzo San Calisto, 00120 Vatican City
IBAN: IT10C 02008 05008 000400406198
BIC / SWIFT: UNCRITM1B88
Payment Details: Emergency appeal for Tonga

U.S. based donors who would like to receive a tax-deductible receipt may also donate in US dollars to the Caritas Internationals Fund held by the National Catholic Community Foundation.

Please email [email protected] to receive more information.