The volcanic eruption near Tonga and subsequent tsunami requires an urgent response.

With telecommunications down, WHO is on the ground in Tonga helping coordinate the response by channelling information between UN agencies, humanitarian partners and the Tongan government.

Information on the degree of destruction is still being gathered but WHO will do all it can to support the people and government of Tonga.

I visited Tonga myself in 2019. I recognize how vulnerable to natural disaster and the climate crisis the country is but also how resilient and resourceful the people are.