At around 10pm to midnight DFAT received word from the Aus HC in Tonga that there were no casualties. Sea communication cables are damaged as a result of the volcanic eruption. Further and better updates will be available as the day unfolds. Source: DFAT Helpline. 🇹🇴📍
His Majesty’s Armed Forces are calling on all reserves to report to the nearest Military base to assist with the emergency response, as Atatā island is submerging there are still inhabitants left on this sinking island. 🙏🏾🇹🇴
#TsunamiTonga
My Father is from the Island of ‘Eua & his land is opposite Nāfanua Wharf. This was our little abode in ‘Eua before the tsunami hit. My mehikitanga (dad’s eldest sister) was living in this house and had immediately evacuated. Fortunately non of my family in ‘Eua were injured.
While main telecommunications have been disconnected. Updates from the Tonga Meteorological Services, NEMO & HMAF are now via radio communications (radio comms), across the Islands. Trying to continue informing people in every way possible.
#tsunamitonga
🇹🇴
If you have further questions re: my updates apologies. I cannot answer them as I am just relaying information from credible sources to keep us all informed. Information are limited, for obvious reasons so please await official updates to come hopefully in the next few hours 🙏🏾.
Latest Update Tsunami warning still in force, volcanic activities at ease. PM announced that gas stations, bakeries and shops will be open from 10am-2pm for ppl to get necessities. Settlements along Vuna Road from Sopu to Fasi & Maufanga heavily damaged. Source: British High Com.
Finally got a call from my mum. She was crying on the phone saying she hasn’t been home nor has she seen my dad bc of work and they’re both exhausted. So I told her my brother is coming home to lift her spirits & it did. Mālō ‘Eiki 🥺🙏🏾🇹🇴.
Congratulations to my dear friend,
@ElsieFukofuka
who managed to attend her graduation ceremony today at Oxford University, having been detained by COVID restrictions and border lockdowns in Tonga last year.
Updates from Ha’apai, source is a staff of the University of the South Pacific’s branch in Ha’apai. It is believed source might have used USP’s satellite internet connection 🛰 . MĀLO ‘Eiki !
#tsunamitonga
One of the largest objects in the Australian Museum collections is a huge ngatu used during the opening ceremonies of the Sydney Opera House in 1973. It was presented to the Sydney Opera House Trust by the government of Tonga under then Prime Minister HRH. Prince Tu’ipelehake
Unofficial Announcement but Mālō ‘Aupito
@elonmusk
such exciting news! 10 satellite stations should offload on the next French flight to Tonga 🇹🇴
@SpaceXStarlink
.
Called my mum & she’s rushing to pack for the both of them. Dad remains at HMAD HQ and mum at Station A3Z. I asked mum if they’re not evacuating and she replied “No Ini ‘oku fu’u fiema’u ke hokoatu pe ngāue ke tokoni’i e kakai.” - Stay safe everyone 🥺
1890s photo captured by the French Marists’ missionaries of young maidens having kava. The fale Tonga with the amoamokofe, the mother with her ‘oa a must have for Tongan women & the off shoulders 😍.
Photographs of Central Nuku’alofa after the tsunami and volcanic eruption courtesy of Malau Media: Check out Malau Media on Facebook for more. Mālō Leki Lao 🙏🏾🇹🇴
Station A3Z the country’s state owned broadcaster is in Fasi not far from Vuna Road. Staff and Meteorological officers who are projecting the call of the Friendly Islands to inform the people of the nation have been forced out of the building as it is being flooded.
RIL to a legendary composer of Tongan music & performances. To be a punake/composer is a flair but being the punake of Tatakamotonga/ Kolokakala transcends all. His well known composition ‘Ofa-He-Siale we in Tonga High School performed for the coronation of the current monarch.
Lauaki Head of Ha’a Maliepo descended from Falefā Maliepo & Samoan lady Vaitoifanga. He leads the Ha’a Tufunga the Royal Undertakers 🇹🇴.
📸 Tanya Edwards
Yesterday PM
@totisova
welcomed the arrival of the people from Mango Island who were evacuated to Nomuka, PM & Cabinet were at the Tonga Royal Navy’s Base- Masefield. The kāinga were brought on Voea Ngahau Koula to Nuku’alofa for safety and shelter. Courtesy M. Palu MOH.
Tapa making is a communal activity for Tongan women. These groups were called TOULALANGA. It was considered shameful for a woman not to own a roll of tapa cloth at least a Launima. A married Tongan woman is expected to have already had her first Koka’anga - info from TP Fanua.
Some people were able to contact their families via Digicel today. So if you have families in Tonga with a Digicel mob. number please try and call them. Some have tried and did get through. Thank you
@DigicelTO
@Telstra
🙏🏾🇹🇴!
HRH. The Princess of Tonga - Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku’aho the only daughter of His Majesty the King with Miss Samoa 2023 Moemoana Schwenke at the Palasi ko Liukava 🇹🇴🤍🇼🇸.
His Majesty’s kāinga Kanokupolu were gravely affected by the powerful waves. HMQ met with the people, and offered them HM’s land near Lōmaiviti to relocate for safety. The people gladly accepted the offer & will be relocating themselves to HM/ Lavaka’s estate.
A message from the Lady Tufi Folau Dadae, wife of PNG’s Governor General His Excellency Sir Bob Dadae bringing peace and comfort to all the misleading information about the security of our Tongan people in PNG. 🇹🇴🇵🇬🤍
Everyone has had the chance to talk to their dads in 🇹🇴 & I still haven’t heard from mine. But every update about the Armed Forces’ efforts coming through is enough for me.
#MyDadsAHero
My cousin
@nevaapelu
is also awaiting the borders to open so she can also return back to Tonga 🇹🇴. Today after her interview she received a message from her family and that they are well & safe. ‘Ofa atu tokoua.
Moemoana’s campaign has ushered in a new era for Pacific pageantry. Redefining it as not only a show of our beauty but our ingenuity and strength as Pasifika women! That balance of being fierce yet elegant and poise 🤎.
Someone posted on FB about this picture taken after the tsunami in Nomuka, Ha’apai. Amidst the debris was this Bible - a testament to Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers & the flowers fade but the word of our God stands forever.” PC: Simione ‘Ofamo’oni
#GodNTongaAreMyInheritance
🇹🇴
Preparations are underway for the funeral of Her Late Royal Highness. The girls of Queen Salote College are using their hands to sweep the sacred grounds of Mala’e Kula. Love our culture & our practice of loyalty & service to God King & Country 🫶🏾🇹🇴.
📸 Mosese Atiola
Our very own Tongan Princess HRH. Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku’aho will be featured on
@carrieapearson
’s new children’s book titled Real Princesses Change the World! 😍🙌🏽. Pre-orders are available on Amazon!
Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano eruption makes a loud sound shaking houses meanwhile people are forced by authorities to evacuate further inland with majority moving to Mata-Kai-Eua.
Congratulations to my uncle Tristam Apikotoa ‘the striking coach for Israel "Stylebender" Adesanya.’ Current 2X Middleweight Champion of the world and biggest superstar in the UFC. 🇹🇴 Tekee Fasi-Moe-Afi ‘a Tungī !
Their Majesties King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga 🇹🇴 & Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho at Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of Kings Charles III. God Save Tupou Our King!
HM King Tupou VI & HM Queen Nanasipau’u of 🇹🇴 will be among 10 other reigning sovereigns at the Coronation of King Charles III of the UK & the Queen Consort.
A historical day today! The traditional installation ceremony the Taumafa Kava Pongipongi Hingoa of the Ongo ‘Apa’apā e Hau. The Motu’apuaka title conferred on Tevita ‘Inoke ‘Alaipulotu & the Lauaki title on Watson Taufa’ao Lauaki 🙌🏽🇹🇴. Congratulations Motu’apuaka mo Lauaki.
Blessed with an email this morning of being selected as the
@Unite2030
Ambassador for the Kingdom of 🇹🇴. A collective of individuals from around the globe with a passion to change the world by taking action towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Honoured to have served alongside this amazing fierce teine Samoa 🥺🤍. All the best
@SMoemoana
! Like you said, the same ancestors we served here are the same ones cheering you on as you return to serve the motherland 🇼🇸. ‘Ofa atu fau!
“ADF is pre-positioning HMAS Adelaide III to Brisbane to provide additional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief if requested by the Government of Tonga, following the eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai on Saturday. 🇦🇺🇹🇴 📸: ABIS Susan Mossop
#AusNavy
”
Source: ADF
“Akesa the widow of Joeli Bulu” - Joeli Bulu (Sioeli Pulu) was a Tongan preacher who went with the missionaries to Fiji to spread the gospel. After the death of his first wife he married Akesa who was a Fijian from Vanua Balavu in Lau, Ma’afu’s headquarters.
“She (Queen Salote) was kissed with genius so that she might never die, but merely pass on from life into legend, & in the wake of a glorious reign leave Her kingdom a better song to sing.” - HLM King George V.
King Tupou VI delivering Tonga’s Statement at the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 27) to the UNFCCC in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Highlights 2 future challenges from the 15/01 volcanic eruption 🇹🇴.
Happy Tongan Father’s Day to the humble giant who raised my brother & I. Dad really taught us love, loyalty, service & humility before we were even able to comprehend them. I am truly blessed with best 🤎.
Tulou atu, malo e tā e sipinga lelei! When given the honours of beating the tutua during the fakamalele. HRH insisted that this rite be performed by the "fahu" who was also there, and instructed that the tutua be taken to the fahu🙏🏾🇹🇴.
2 of the ‘ie tōga in our collection. Since ancient times, these mats and the red feathers have linked Tonga, Samoa and Fiji in a complex trading relationship.
#TheBig3
Women’s History Month - In the 1950s, every Tongan woman registered with Langafonua contributed one pound, raising a total of 2000 pounds to purchase what is now known as Langafonua 'a e Fefine Tonga. Residence was formerly owned by the Cocker Family.
It was not an easy path to return Tupou ‘Ata and Palu ‘Ata to Tonga. As Hafoka and Hama’s acquaintances would tell “The commoner can sense the scent of someone with Royal blood.”
After watching that video I just hope the people who recorded the incident instead of finding a way to help, are able to sleep tonight. Because I can’t! I’d hate to be the first to broadcast an unfortunate event without at-least attempting to help. Ha’u aa kakai kemou ‘ofa.
Tulou! The Official announcement from the Palace Office in Nuku’alofa of the passing of HRH. The Princess Mele Siulikutapu. The eldest child of the late Prince Tu’ipelehake & Princess Melenaite. Heilala ‘o Ha’a Talafale 🙏🏾.
Happy Birthday Your Royal Highness Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Halaevalu Mata’aho Napua Okalani Tuku’aho. The eldest and only daughter of His Majesty King Tupou VI. Thank you Lord for blessing us with such a humble and loving Princess. Tu’a ‘ofa atu ma’upe 💕.
There’s a Tongan saying Katoanga mo hono tutuku 😂 no matter how perfect you’d think a katoanga was carried out but the Tongan perfectionists will still call you out for something!
Update from Toe’umu Mila from 🇦🇺 HCom.
Translation: There's been reports of the death of a male expat in the West. People who were swept away from Atatā and 'Eua have been rescued. Vuna Road from Patangata to Sopu had severe flooding from the tsunami waves causing major damage.
A day with two powerhouses Lesieli Tupou about Mosikaka weaving & Uheina Kalaniuvalu about the history & legacy of Langafonua ‘a Fafine Tonga 🇹🇴🤍. In awe of how powerful women are & their influence on the development and economy of our nation.