Help Fafa Island after the Tonga Tsunami
WHAT HAPPENED TO FAFA ISLAND?
On the 15th of January, Fafa Island was destroyed by a 15 metre tsunami wave caused by a nearby volcanic eruption.
Almost everything on our island home, which we’ve built alongside our Fafa family over the last 40 years, was washed away — including the resort with restaurant, bar, kitchen, all bungalows as well as our boats, all infrastructure and lots of vegetation.
The only thing left standing is the water tower in the centre and some staff houses which were flooded and damaged.
Thankfully, our team evacuated the island the day before so there were no guests at the resort. However 5 of our long-term staff members, who have been with us for decades, returned to their homes on Saturday after the initial tsunami warning was cancelled. They had to tie themselves to a tree to survive the wave and it’s a miracle they’re still with us.
Although the loss of our homes and our beautiful resort is devastating for us all, we’re overwhelmed with relief and gratitude that everyone came out of this disaster alive. They escaped with only the clothes on their backs and are now staying with friends and relatives on the mainland.
You can read about how Lusi and Mo survived the tsunami here.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Right now, our once idyllic, paradise island is unrecognizable and uninhabitable. You can see some before and after pictures below.
In order to bring our Fafa team back to the island, we first need a boat. Then we need to clean away the debris, re-establish water and electricity and repair the staff homes. This would be the initial plan. We then will have to see how things go.
So now we are seeking support to help make this happen.
Please be assured that your donation will only be used to realize this plan and to support our local Fafa team & their families.
There is no insurance to cover us for what has happened to Fafa so we’re opening up this page to ask if anyone feels called to support our Fafa team.
If it’s within your means, we would be grateful for your donation. No amount is too small and every dollar helps.
Malo ‘aupito,
Rainer and all the team from Fafa Island.
P.S. Hit 'read more' to see before and after images of the island.
