UPDATE on ADRA’s Tonga Response: 17 February 2022
On Sunday 6 February, Tonga entered a 14-day lockdown to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. As an essential service, ADRA’s response was permitted to continue, though the roll out of services has been adjusted to comply with lockdown restrictions. Over 700 affected households on the islands of Tongatapu, Fonoi, Tungua, Nomuga, Pangai, Haafeva, Mango, Matuku, Atata and Eua will be assisted with multi-purpose cash from ADRA and the Seventh-day Adventist Church for their immediate needs.
“Communications have been irregular and difficult,” says ADRA South Pacific director Greg Young. “But over the past number of days it has been inspiring to hear of the resilience of the Tongan people and how they are stepping up from all levels of society to support those in need.”
A long-term recovery component of agricultural livelihoods is planned and expected to be implemented by March.
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“An undersea volcano erupted (on January 15) in spectacular fashion near the Pacific nation of Tonga, sending tsunami waves crashing across the shore and people rushing to higher ground.”
Communication with Tonga is difficult, but the ADRA network is trying to liaise with the Seventh-day Adventist mission in Tonga to assess the situation. More details of ADRA’s response to come.
Please pray for those affected by the eruption and tsunami. Pray also for people in neighbouring islands that have also been affected. #ADRAresponds
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More: Family and friends await news from loved ones in Tonga after volcanic eruption felt as far as US
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is the official humanitarian agency of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
