According to Tongan officials, tsunami waves reached 50 ft. on multiple islands of Tonga as a result of an underwater volcanic eruption Saturday, January 15th, 2022. The blast triggered multiple tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean, as far as the West Coast of the United States, and we are only just now learning of the devastation felt by our Tongan and Pacific Island relatives. While all communications on the islands have been cut off, from cellular to internet service, it is shameful that United States officials have failed to report on or organize relief efforts for those in need.

As the dust and volcanic ash settles across multiple Tongan islands, we see trees, buildings, roads, and otherwise lush green spaces covered by thick layers of dark grey ash, and as the picture becomes more clear of the conditions on Tongan islands, our relatives are badly in need of aid as they prepare for a long and exhausting recovery. We at Indigenous People’s Power Project ask all of our relatives near and far to spread the word, organize efforts to help in any way you can, and let’s lift up our Tongan relatives in their time of need.

If you can help, please donate and share at https://www.gofundme.com/f/tonga-tsunami-relief-by-pita-taufatofua?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer, organized by Pita Taufatofua.

In Prayer,

Indigenous People’s Power Project