Keeping Tonga Connected

The eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano and the tsunami that followed caused a huge amount damage and we are now hearing reports of injuries and deaths. A colleague whose family was caught up in this disaster highlighted a huge issue, a lack of communication.

Tonga and its surrounding islands were cut off from the rest of the world, communication lines were disrupted and are taking weeks to be repaired. We aren’t all in a position to be able to organise food drives, clean drinking water or other physical donations to be sent over, but what we do know, understand and live by, is the importance, and value, of communication.

Many of you reading this, would have had one, two or possibly more people in your lives pop into your mind when you first heard the news of this disaster. Many of these people have been struggling since Covid-19 struck to visit loved ones as often as they would usually, and to now have communications cut off almost completely is truly devastating. Those lucky enough to be in areas where one of the few satellite capable communication devices are available, have been able to send out texts or give the OK or some form of update out to family around the world, but others are left worrying.

This donation drive will be focused on raising funds that will go directly to the purchase of more satellite communication devices, portable charging packs, and waterproof dry bags to keep them in. This doesn’t necessarily help people who are injured or who have lost their homes or livelihoods, but what it does do, is allow them to spend 10-15 minutes a day, getting word out to their family around the globe that they are ok, that they’re together, or to share prayers for their safety and wellbeing. It is hugely important to address and care for the mental and spiritual effects that trauma such as this causes, being able to have contact with your family certainly does that.

Donate now to, know that you have made a life-changing difference to the many affected by disaster who urgently need your help.

Any donations raised surplus to purchasing the satellite phones will be donated through TearFund.