Families from ‘Atata Island displaced two years ago from the Hunga Tonga – Hunga Ha’apai eruption and subsequent tsunami, are still displaced and living in tents.
The heavy rain over the past few days affecting Tongatapu region has worsened the misery of these displaced families.
Tonga Meteorological Service has been issuing warnings for heavy rain and flash flooding for Tonga over the past week.
Those living in tents needed to be evacuated. Semi-permanent dwellings to house these displaced families have not been completed even though it’s been two years since the tsunami.
‘Atatā Island was partially submerged by the tsunami leaving residents with no choice but to evacuate to Tongatapu.
70 buildings were reportedly damaged and the island was covered by ash from the volcanic eruption.
The evacuees were relocated to a site on the western side of Tongatapu, not far from Nuku’alofa, and named ‘Atata Si’i (‘Atata Jr).
‘Atata Island, in the meantime, has remained abandoned with no one rebuilding two years after the disaster.
Former residents report they were told the island was unsafe to live on. Those who return to the island are visiting for fishing and to check up on what remains of their land and damaged properties.
Despite the relocation to ‘Atata Si’i to newly built homes, there are those who are still living in tents.
Those still living in tents have suffered from days of heavy rain and flooding.
Aid donors gave so that 286 new homes are built, but so far only 120 have been built. Delays have been due to land issues and shortage of construction skills, according to Sevenitini Toumo’ua, Minister of Infrastructure. He says that work is expected to be complete by June.
