By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

The communities of Kanokupolu and Ha'atafu in Hihifo, Tongatapu, welcomed the United Nations Secretary General Mr. António Guterres ahead of his departure from Tonga today. He visited two of the areas that were most affected by the events of the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunami in there.

The UNSG visited what was left of the Ha'atafu Beach Resort, after tsunami waves destroyed infrastructure on the  coastal area.

“What has happened with the tsunami –two years ago –is really something unimaginable to me” he said.

“I can’t imagine the suffering that each one of you has felt, seeing your community practically destroyed. But it’s also very emotional for me to see your courage and resilience,”

Mr. Guterres highlighted the fact that both communities had chosen to rebuilt instead of relocating to the capital, as both Kanokupolu and Ha’atafu remain vulnerable areas to future tsunamis and the effects of climate change.

He said that we could only hope that events like the HTHH volcanic eruption does not repeat itself, as there is no work that the government can conduct in coastal protection can stop a tsunami like that.

Mr. Guterres was joined by Tongan delegates including the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala and the Minister for MEIDECC, Hon. Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu.