On January 14, an underwater volcano erupted in the Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean and triggered a tsunami. After the disaster, many small islands were devastated and almost ran out of food. A Tongan New Zealander asked the local Tzu Chi for help, and immediately its volunteers provided emergency assistance. It made Tonga the 127th country in the world to have received help from the Foundation.

A geologist named Tapping said: "Though we know that, in the Kingdom of Tonga, there are tsunamis in the Pacific region but there has never been such a large volcanic eruption before."

The disaster devastated the country. There were power shortages, volcanic ash covered the farmland and caused crop prices to soar, and a food crisis. The suffering seemed to have no end.

Another geologist named Brenner warned: "Because volcanic ash is toxic, it impacts people's livelihood water, drinking water, irrigation water, and animal farming, etc."

Louise Waterhouse, the honorary consul of Tonga in Sydney, expressed her anxiety: "I estimate that there is not much food left in the local stockpile, because the refrigerated food goes bad, and no farming survives on the arable land."

Concerned about the disaster in his hometown, 74-year-old Ken M. Laomahei was working actively in New Zealand. He recalled that he had received relief supplies from Tzu Chi New Zealand during the pandemic, so he wrote a letter to Tzu Chi.

In the letter, he said that his family in Tonga suffered from volcanic ash and the tsunami. He hoped that Tzu Chi New Zealand would provide food packets and drinking water to his family in Tonga. After they received the supplies, they would share them with their neighbors.

Ken (left 2) and his wife (left 1) went to Tzu Chi New Zealand to express their gratitude after their family members in Tonga received the supplies. They put on volunteer vests and hope that, in their later years, they can be as altruistic and helpful as Tzu Chi volunteers. (Photo provided by Tzu Chi Foundation)

Tzu Chi Volunteer Wang Ping (王萍) told Ken: “As long as there is a need, Tzu Chi will help, regardless of race or religion.” Actually, when Tzu Chi New Zealand first heard about the disaster in Tonga, they wanted to help but found no way, sadly. Therefore Tzu Chi was very grateful to him for making a request for those affected.

After receiving his request for help, Tzu Chi volunteers eagerly fulfilled their mission. They cooperated with shipping companies to provide free shipping, and quickly sent the first batch of supplies to Tonga. So it became the the 127th country in the world that has received help from Tzu Chi.

At the end of January, many volunteers came to pack the supplies; they loaded the cargo ship and set off from Auckland to Tonga. After 10 days, Ken's family received warm love from Tzu Chi.

Ken said gratefully: "My family and I in Tonga sincerely thank you for Tzu Chi's help. They have received the food you donated, and they thank you as much as I do."

Ken's wife Mary said: "Thank you for the food packs you have prepared. The supplies are very complete. Tonga's family will share it. You share your love with my family, not only in this country, but also in other countries. My family will also share it. Pay the love forward.”

Tzu Chi volunteers always seize the opportunities they have to benefit people. May everyone give their power of love and encourage one another to give love. In doing this, our world will have peace and harmony.