A volcanic nation
Tonga, a nation comprising about 170 small islands in the Pacific Ocean, is accustomed to volcanic activity. Only around 25 percent of these islands are inhabited, lying in a region known for its seismic volatility. The local population coexists with a number of active submarine and surface volcanoes, a testament to the geological dynamism of the area.
Tongans are accustomed to volcanic activity and the resulting ash fallout, but the January 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai was unprecedented in its magnitude and impact. The community, familiar with minor eruptions, found themselves unprepared for the scale of this event, marking a significant deviation from their usual experiences with volcanic activities.