On 14 January 2022, the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai volcano erupted on an island in the Tongan archipelago in the southern Pacific Ocean.
The eruption caused tsunamis that led to damage in several countries. The volcano eruption and tsunami impacted around 85% of people in Tonga. At least 3 people were killed, communications lines were cut off, water supplies were contaminated by volcanic ash, and more than 2,500 people were displaced from their homes.
“I extend my deepest sympathy to the families of the victims who lost their lives, as well as to all the communities who have lost their homes and livelihoods from the volcanic eruption and tsunami,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore. “We have a close and special relationship with our Pacific neighbours, and they need our support.”
The City of Sydney’s donation to Tonga
On 21 February 2022, council voted to donate money to help Tonga in the wake of this devastating natural disaster.
We have given $50,000 to UNICEF Australia’s Tonga Recovery Appeal and $50,000 to Oxfam Australia’s international crisis fund for Tonga.
Our donations went towards emergency supplies including water, sanitation and hygiene kits as well as recreational kits for children and cash assistance.
The funding was sourced from the City of Sydney’s 2021/22 general contingency fund.
A program for employee donations to Tonga recovery appeals is also underway.
The City of Sydney will match dollar for dollar any employee contributions until the end of March 2022, also from the 2021/22 general contingency fund.
Donate to Tonga
According to the United Nations, the people of Tonga need ongoing support to respond to a disaster of this scale.
We’re asking those in our community who can, to also donate to recovery funds.
The following organisations are running appeals:
Published 24 March 2022