Tongan King Tupou VI has consented to relocate people from his estates who were affected by the volcanic eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai and tsunamis.
Among the worst hit areas in the catastrophe on 15 January, were the royal estates of Kanokupolu in Tongatapu and Mango Island, in Ha’apai.
The affected people from Kanokupolu will be relocated to one of the King’s estates of Mataki’eua, while the islanders of Mango will be relocated to one of his estates of Tā’anga in ‘Eua.
The Palace Office stated on Monday, that the King’s two sons, Crown Prnce Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Prince Ata had both consented to a similar relocation process from their respective estates of Nomuka island in Ha’apai, and the island of ‘Atatā in Tongatapu.
Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala has consented for relocation of affected people at Nomuka to higher and safer ground on the island.
Prince Ata has consented to relocate the people from ‘Atatā island to an elevated part of his estate of Kolovai in Tongatapu.
The King and the two Princes consented to these relocations upon recommendations of the Ministry of Lands and Survey in a special presentation to the royal family on Friday, 04 March.
“Works towards the relocation processes are being carried out by the Office for the Royal Estates and the Ministry of Lands and Survey before any reconstruction takes place.
“Houses and properties of these affected people were damaged by the unprecedented volcanic eruptions from Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha’apai that triggered the Tsunami on Saturday, 15 January. The Tsunami engulfed some of the low-lying coastal areas on Tongatapu and Ha’apai and sent waves across the Pacific Ocean as high as 15 meters”, said the statement from the Palace Office.
SOURCE: TONGA WIRES/PACNEWS
