One week after the volcanic eruption and tsunami that hit the islands of Tonga, the UN Coordination Specialist there, says people “are still overwhelmed with the magnitude of the disaster.” 

The disaster has affected 84,000 people, more than 80 per cent of the population, and killed three people - although many islands have yet to be reached.  

Sione Hufanga explained that UN agencies are in the field distributing dignity kits to the most affected, along with food support, and trying to kick-start the agricultural sector, much of it blanketed in volcanic ash. 

Mr. Hufanga spoke to UN News’s Alexandre Soares, detailing the most urgent needs and how the disaster can affect the country long-term.