Activists help Tongans build resilience in wake of disaster
by Matt Manukuo | January 21, 2022 | Published by Pacific Media Network | READ THE STORY HERE Environmental activists in Tonga are preparing to teach Tongans how to produce solar power in the wake of the devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami. The disaster has destroyed homes, cut communication lines, and caused major power outages. The goal is to help build greater resilience in the Pacific following natural disasters, says Joseph Sikulu, managing director of the organisation 350 Pacific. “Next month we are launching our solar scholars training that will be running on the island. “This teaches communities how [...]
Philippine women switch on solar to light their way in a storm
by Geela Garcia | December 14, 2021 | Published by Reuters | READ THE STORY HERE MARABUT, Philippines, Dec 14 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - When Haiyan, one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded, smashed into the central Philippines in 2013, the town of Marabut in Eastern Visayas region suffered zero casualties. More than 1,000 residents scrambled up 32 feet (9.75 m) of slippery soil and limestone to take refuge inside the Tinabanan Cave, known for providing shelter since colonial times. Lorna dela Pena, 66, was alone when the super-typhoon landed on Nov. 8, killing more than 6,000 people [...]