Tonga Tsunami Volcano Fieeiki Family

On January 15, 2022 our mother FINE TOFAVAHA FIE’EIKI, our brother DAN FIE’EIKI with his family of seven children, enjoyed a Saturday afternoon at home at Otuhaka Beach on the west coast village of Kanokupolu, Tonga. At 5:15pm local time, the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano, located approximately 23 miles to the Northwest of the main island Tongatapu, erupted violently sending an ash cloud 12 miles into the atmosphere. Within minutes, the explosion also triggered a 15 meter (49 ft) tsunami wave that resulted in a direct hit on their seaside home. Within seconds, they were forced to escape leaving behind everything they owned except for the clothes on their backs. Our brother recalls his despair in not finding the four family dogs who had fled from the blasts of the eruption.

Upon their return the next day, they described it as “It is like there is no sign that we ever lived there. Everything is gone… completely gone! There is nothing left!” Where once stood a family home for over thirty years with lush tropical gardens that our mother nurtured was now reduced to a pile of ash and volcanic rock. The entire house and all of their worldly possessions had been washed out to sea. To their astonishment, two of the dogs, ‘Koko and Suka’ emerged from the piles of debris, dazed but elated to be reunited.

In spite of such tragic loss sustained by our family and the people of Tonga, we praise God for the gift of life and His mercy that their lives were spared. Our goal is to help our mother, brother and his family as they navigate rebuilding their lives. Your support will help with efforts to provide immediate family assistance and recovery.

“Malo e ‘ofa” Thank you for the outpouring of love and support as we join together to give them HOPE for a brighter future.

"'Ofa atu" & God bless

Ron Fie’eiki - North Peoria, Arizona

Stan Fie’eiki - South Jordan, Utah

Julia Fie’eiki Iraia - Las Vegas, Nevada