Sources: Fox News
Tonga is hit by ashfall and a tsunami after the eruption of Hunga Tonga, destroying homes as locals struggle to find higher ground. Major flooding is reported in the capital Nukuʻalofa. Shock waves from the eruption are detected as far away as Alaska, United States. Other Pacific countries have also advised their citizens to seek higher ground. Internet access has reportedly been disrupted in Tonga. 2022-01-15
The Speaker of the Tongan Parliament, Lord Fakafanua, introduces the Illicit Drugs Control (Amendment) Bill 2021 for debate in the legislative assembly. The Speaker wants a mandatory death sentence for serious drug offenses. Tonga has a moratorium on the death penalty and has not used it in more than four decades. 2021-08-16
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledges help to the Cook Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Niue and Tonga to strengthen their health systems while vowing to the leaders of those nations to host a "safe and secure" 2020 Summer Olympics. 2021-06-30
Tonga and Fiji declare a state of emergency as part of an ongoing measles outbreak. Conditions worsen in Samoa where the death toll continues to rise and schools remain closed. There are 1,797 confirmed cases as of Saturday, with 153 detected on Friday alone. 2019-11-23
Tongan Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva, age 78, dies one day after being taken to a New Zealand hospital from his native country. 2019-09-12
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces that New Zealand will give NZ$10 million to Tonga to help with rebuilding after the country was struck by Cyclone Gita in February. 2018-03-6
The Polynesian state of Tonga declares a Zika virus epidemic with two confirmed cases and 265 suspected cases. 2016-02-4
The eruption of the Hunga Tonga volcano disrupts flights to and from Tonga. 2015-01-12
Tonga restores contact with the Ha'apai islands after Cyclone Ian passed through during the weekend, killing one person and significantly damaging structures. 2014-01-13
Tonga's Attorney-General suddenly resigns amidst allegations the government is trying to take over his judiciary. 2010-04-30