The volcanic eruption in Tonga on January 14 has left the island nation grappling with severe disruptions. Renowned Tongan \"double Olympian\" Pita Taufatofua, who has proudly represented Tonga in both Winter and Summer Olympics, found himself isolated from the world alongside his family when the disaster struck.
As the flagbearer for the Tongan Olympic team, Pita's inspiring presence in Tokyo captivated millions worldwide, sparking a surge of interest in Tonga. However, the eruption not only cut off vital communication channels but also severed Pita's contact with his loved ones.
Determined to reconnect, Pita persevered through numerous attempts and eventually reached his father amidst the chaos. Witnessing the widespread devastation through social media and news reports, he didn't stop there. Leveraging his global influence, Pita launched an online fundraising campaign to support the recovery efforts in Tonga, demonstrating unwavering resilience and leadership.
In his heartfelt message, Pita extended his deepest gratitude to people around the world for their overwhelming love and support, highlighting the strength of a united global community in times of need.
Reference(s):
Tongan flag bearer: Thanks to everyone for bringing love and support
cgtn.com
