Understanding the experiences of persons with disabilities in disasters and emergencies in Tonga (December 2025)

This report examines the experiences of persons with disabilities in Tonga during disasters and emergencies, focusing on emergency preparedness, access to early warning information, evacuation, food security, social protection, and the use of cash assistance. The study was conducted jointly by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Tonga's Ministry of Internal Affairs in September 2025 and surveyed 260 respondents across six island groups.

The findings show that most respondents had experienced a natural hazard, with tsunamis and cyclones being the most common hazards. Radio was the primary source of early warning information (89%), underscoring its importance for reaching persons with disabilities. While most respondents understood evacuation messages and were able to evacuate safely (81%), significant gaps remain in disability-inclusive disaster planning, evacuation support, and accessible shelters. Limited participation in community preparedness activities, inadequate evacuation planning, transportation challenges, and accessibility barriers highlight key areas for strengthening inclusive disaster preparedness and response.