In 2017, Luisa – still new to the disaster management field – joined the second cycle of the UNITAR Women’s Leadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction Training Programme. Since 2016, the programme has been implemented with the support of the Government of Japan, to empower women from small island states to enhance their skills in disaster preparedness and management in their countries.

33 women from small island nations in the Pacific visited Japan to learn from the country’s experiences from disasters including the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Through classroom learning and field visits, the programme offered participants a comprehensive view of disaster management.

Visiting tsunami-affected areas, interacting with local heroes and hearing their stories brought the realities of disaster to life for Luisa. She especially recalls her visit to Okawa Primary School, which had been devastated by the 2011 tsunami.

I was one of the most talkative people in that cohort. [But] the first site visit, we went to the school where about 70 plus percent of the students didn’t make it. And from that day on, I couldn't make the site visits. I would just sit in the bus and wait until everybody comes back, because I [was] thinking about where I was deployed.” − Luisa Taunga

As a disaster risk management officer in Tonga, Luisa had at the time been assigned to the remote islands of Ha’apai. Luisa describes the islands as “very flat, as a pancake”. The remote geography and terrain of Tonga makes it highly vulnerable to disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes. Indeed, the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami affected more than 80 per cent of the Tongan population. The country’s geographical remoteness, limited resources and infrastructure make it difficult for the government to ensure that remote islands receive timely assistance and support during emergencies.

Luisa returned to UNITAR as a trainer. The workshop was the first time the UNITAR programme was held in the Pacific, giving participants the chance to celebrate the culture and family of the Pacific Islands as well as learn from the experiences of small island countries. In Luisa’s view, having the people from Tonga speak of their experiences from the 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami brought the participants to the realities on the ground, reflecting both the successes and the challenges of disaster management in a small Pacific Island country.

Having experienced the 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami, Luisa notes that one thing she forgot to learn in Japan was how to deal with the emotions of being affected by and witnessing disasters. Bringing the training to Tonga this year, just a few years after the disaster, was itself emotional. “It's still raw”, she says. “At least we've had a few years where we've mellowed down and taken time to think about it.”

Luisa deeply appreciates the support from the Government and People of Japan. The valuable lessons learned from disaster management in Japan continues to support her efforts in Tonga to strengthen local disaster response capabilities and community resilience. 

Luisa encourages fellow disaster risk reduction professionals to prioritize community engagement and education. By fostering a collaborative approach and empowering local communities, she believes that important progress can be made in reducing disaster risks and building strong societies.