It is remembered as the day Tonga went black. January 15 marks four years since the catastrophic eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano and the subsequent tsunami that wreaked havoc across the islands. The disaster claimed three lives and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and crops. However, the deepest scars remain on the mental health of the local community.
Scientists have described the underwater volcano’s eruption as one of the largest in recorded history, with a force equivalent to five underground nuclear bombs. The event’s magnitude continues to resonate with the survivors and the scientific community alike.
The Day the World Went Dark
Business owner Liz Cowley vividly recalls the fateful day. As she drove to safety with her late mother, the world around her turned dark.
“As soon as we just turned this little turn, the world went dark, and we could hear the bang, bang, bang and ash was down, falling, you know,” she recalled.
Hours later, she surveyed a surreal landscape, forever etched in her memory. Similarly, survivor Lusiana Kikau and her family, employees of Fafa Island Resort, are grateful to have survived. The small island, a 30-minute boat ride from Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, was obliterated by the tsunami.
“So, we were just trying to save our daughter, so we tried to clear with two other Fijian staff, we were together on that island, just tried to save our daughter,” she said. “So, she climbed up on the tree. I just used the rope to tie around my waist when the waves started coming in.”
Kikau admits that the trauma of that day lingers. Loud sounds can still trigger memories of the disaster.
“Sometimes when I hear loud sounds … I’m scared, I always remember what happened on that day, when the loud sound like thunder or any sound.”
Ongoing Mental Health Challenges
In the immediate aftermath, the Pasifika Medical Association Group dispatched an emergency response team to Tonga. The organization has returned annually to provide support, focusing on the well-being of those affected.
PMA’s CEO Debbie Sorensen acknowledges the emotional toll the anniversary can take on survivors.
“I think the anniversary brings up all sorts of feelings for people, you know, there are feelings of grief over what people have lost,” she said. “There’s anxiety and fear, you know, I imagine quite a lot of people will be looking at that horizon, wondering whether it’s going to be another one on the same day. You know, those are quite normal feelings.”
Sorensen emphasizes the importance of seeking help and utilizing available resources, such as the Tongan Mental Health Group, which is well-regarded within the community.
The lasting impact of the trauma is profound. For many, the full effects of the disaster are still unfolding, manifesting as a complex mix of fears and emotions that may not be visible but are deeply felt by those affected.
Community Support and Future Needs
Liz Cowley expresses concern for her community, stressing the need for more professional mental health resources.
“Someone passionate that can be a listener, you know, to help these people, they’re broken,” she said. “Because I don’t think some will ever be able to recover from this at all.”
Debbie Sorensen agrees, advocating for increased investment in mental health resources. While technology has helped extend services, the need for more substantial support remains critical.
“I think that technology, you know, has played its part in being able to extend the services that are offered. But there’s no question that there needs to be more investment in more resources applied.”
As Tonga marks this somber anniversary, the focus remains on healing and resilience. The community continues to strive towards recovery, drawing strength from shared experiences and the support of dedicated professionals. The journey is ongoing, but the spirit of the Tongan people endures.
