Tonga has spirit and will to recover
The volcano and tsunami victims will need help, but they will remain joyful in the midst of tribulation,
Igreeted the start of 2022 with optimism, imagining that nothing could top 2021 for challenging years which, among other things, saw the passing of my Tongan father.
Just over two weeks later, I was reminded that sometimes things happen outside our control, and the only real thing we hold sway over is our reaction to such events.
The weekend eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai forced those in the kingdom to flee the resulting tsunami and ashfall. Harrowing images were cast across our screens in the moments leading up to a communications blackout, sending the tens of thousands of Tongans living overseas into a state of worry and prayer.
I had seen messages from family in the kingdom speaking of the urgency to safeguard themselves from the impending surges and encompassing clouds, but then . . . there was silence. A silence that kept many of us awake that night, that held no tranquillity or peace for those waiting for news.
Slowly information has crept back to Aotearoa, with diplomatic personnel using satellite links to report that property, crops and infrastructure have been destroyed, and at least two people have died.
Descriptions of thick ash blanketing the land, of homes and businesses being swept away, and of fresh water being in short supply, took me back to one of my last times in Tonga, in 2018.
February that year saw Cyclone Gita cut a path of destruction through Tongatapu and ‘Eua, injuring dozens and killing two. But what I witnessed on the ground was a community who managed to derive joy from the darkest of moments.
Despite the rubble, debris and tragedy, everywhere I went I was greeted with a friendly smile, a welcoming handshake and a thankful heart. Despite many having no roof over their heads, a sense of gratitude to be alive was almost tangible. One woman said, ‘‘I can regather and collect things, I can’t regain breath.’’
Others I spoke to at the time talked of not resenting nature, as disasters were a part of life and we must adapt and move on. There were jokes shared and hearty laughs, and it soon became apparent that it would take much more than a deadly storm to steal the joy from the hearts and smiles from the faces of those in its wake.
Tonga’s prime minister at the time, the late ‘Akilisi Pohiva, said although people felt sorry for what happened, they still enjoyed life. He said Tongans, like many in the Pacific, knew how to deal with disasters and did not overcomplicate life.
That simplicity is part of an amazing ability to remain joyful in the midst of tribulation. The humility of a people has time and again proved to be its strength. It is for this reason that, although the picture remains murky, I have confidence that Tonga and its people will rebuild, recover and resume their way of life.
This doesn’t remove the fact that international aid and assistance will be appreciated, with shelter, water and food security issues to contend with over the coming months.
There has been an appetite for donating to the relief efforts. It has been heartening to see the positive reaction for our Pacific fā mili, but people may have to be patient, with Tonga’s Speaker, Lord Fakafanua, pointing out that details are still to be announced of an official disaster relief fund, and warning that funds must be verified, transparent and legitimate.
Tongan Olympian Pita Taufatofua has already launched his own fundraising campaign, and Tongan-born MP Jenny Salesa has helped establish a relief committee. No doubt there will be many other well-intentioned efforts over the coming days.
There will, however, be more questionable endeavours of which people should be wary. Already there has been social media talk of clothing drives.
A few years ago, some Pacific aid organisations spoke of receiving unsolicited container loads of well-meaning but ultimately useless donations of odd shoes, umbrellas, lights or even skis, which ended up sitting on wharves taking up valuable space. Cartons of perishable foodstuffs, clothing and household items were sent, but were not typically what was needed in a disaster.
The hope is that official channels of communication will be reconnected soon, so Tonga can tell us what is needed, and those standing at the ready can move effectively and efficiently.
Over the years, New Zealanders have witnessed firsthand the passion and love that binds the Tongan community here. No doubt it will act as one when required.
In the meantime, just as in 2018, I am sure that the people of Tonga will be in high spirits, determined to move on, armed with a faith and resilience that has shone through generations.