Members of the Tongan diaspora feared never seeing their loved ones on the Pacific island again when communications were cut off following the volcanic eruption on Saturday. ‘I’m aware that other islanders, other Pacific people, other Tongans, all feel exactly my feeling. That’s how close we are.’ said Tongan-Australian artist and activist Seini Taumoepeau. She said she hasn’t had any contact with relatives and friends in Tonga days after a massive volcanic eruption and tsunami caused significant damage and cut off phone and internet lines for the archipelago.
