On 19 January, the UN Resident Coordinator received a request from the Government of Tonga for urgent assistance in the wake of the volcanic eruption and the impact of the following tsunami and volcanic ash it generated. There are still serious concerns about access to safe water throughout the island nation, and concerns about the quality of groundwater in Tongatapu. Data suggest that some 50,000 people are affected and access to drinking water remains one of the highest priorities.

The capital’s water supply is safe to drink but most people now rely on bottled water. It is estimated that some 12,000 households have been affected as all agricultural sectors (crops, livestock, fisheries) suffered substantially. Of particular concern is the effect of ashfall on crops along with saltwater intrusion and the potential of acid rain. It is further estimated that about 60 – 70 percent of livestock-rearing households either had livestock perished, experienced damage to grazing land, or have contaminated water supplies. As regards to Health, the hospital and the national pharmacy store in the capital are intact and fully functioning. There are some reports of damage to some health centres in Tongatapu, ‘Eua and Ha’apai. The main issue going forward is monitoring the risk of infectious diseases through surveillance and the actions underway by the WASH sector. (OCHA, 20 Jan 2022)