Advertisement

Tongan Politician Documents Damage at Beachside Village in Wake of Tsunami

Footage by a Tongan politician posted on January 20 showed some of the damage left by a tsunami that hit the island nation in the wake of a massive undersea eruption, as a state of emergency was declared and repair efforts underway.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted on Saturday evening, January 15, triggering tsunami waves up to 15 meters, according to information released by the Tongan government.

At least three people were killed: a British national, a woman from Mango Island, and a man from Nomuka Island. The government said a number of injuries had also been reported.

Dozens of properties were damaged across the islands, with all houses on Mango Island completely destroyed. Water supplies were seriously affected by volcanic ash, according to the government.

This footage was published by Minister for Trade and Economic Development
Viliami Uasike Latu on Facebook, and shows damage and repair efforts in the beachside village of Kanokupolu. Credit: Viliami Uasike Latu via Storyful