January 15, 2022 | by Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño
Friends, I have learned from Sela Tukia, Tongan Consul General in the Bay Area, that as of this hour there are no reported fatalities on the main island of Tonga.
There has been much water damage as tsunami waves have covered a great portion of the island. Many have been displaced. They are also struggling with sulfuric fumes and small volcanic rock that continue to fall on the island.
Communication to Tonga has been disrupted due to damage to a main fiber optic line.
An additional concern is that families who depend on remittances from family members living in the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, and other places in the world, will suffer.
Let us continue to be in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Tonga and prepare to support them in the days to come.
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño is Resident Bishop of the San Francisco area and the California-Nevada Conference of The United Methodist Church.
