Washington Fundraisers Aim To Help Tonga Recover From Eruption

SEATTLE — On Saturday, an undersea volcanic eruption near the island nation of Tonga sent a shockwave around the world. While the impact on Washington was minimal — the resulting tsunami raised waters about a foot near La Push, with no damages or injuries — the same can not be said for Tonga itself.

According to the latest updates, three people have died as a result of the blast. Tonga's main island of Tongatapu has been coated in ash, and the outlying islands of Nomuka, Mango and Fonoifua all suffered serious damage from the tsunami waves, the AP reported. The U.N. estimates that 80 percent of Tonga's population, roughly 84,000 people, have been impacted by the eruption.

While the U.N., Red Cross and other humanitarian efforts have mobilized to deliver what aid they can, there are also several local efforts underway trying to help out.

GoFundMe has provided the following list of vetted fundraisers — all organized by Tongans living in Western Washington — that aim to help Tonga recover from the disaster.

Here are three fundraisers raising money for tsunami and eruption relief:

Disaster Cash Assistance for Citizens of Tonga. Organizer Celina Tupou is a Tongan American business owner from Tacoma, who has put together a fundraiser to make direct payments to individuals and families impacted by the tsunami and volcanic eruption. Tupou says she's already been contacted by several dozen families in need of assistance. In just three days, the fundraiser has garnered nearly $3,500 in support.

Help save and rebuild the Kingdom of Tonga. Suliasi Tapaka recently returned to Seattle from Tonga, but his wife and three children still remain on the island. To help his family, and the thousands of others who have been displaced by this disaster, he aims to raise $10,000 to support the people of Tonga as they recover.

Tonga Volcanic Disaster Relief. Tony Puloka and his organization, Radio Tonga Seattle, have set up a fundraiser to buy clean water, food, supplies, and other relief resources for Tongans in need. "All communications have been disconnected due to this disaster," Puloka writes. "Radio Tonga Seattle is seeking your help and donations in preparation to help those most in need."

Editor's Note: Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner.