Tonga is currently accepting Bitcoin donations to assist with relief efforts as the country faces the aftermath of a massive volcanic tremor that resulted in a tsunami.
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On Friday, the Kingdom of Tonga experienced the tremors of a large volcanic eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano.
More eruptions followed the first, exposing the people of Tongatapu, Tonga’s main island, to tsunamis.
Amidst the difficulties, crypto holders have expressed their sympathy and intention to donate Bitcoin (BTC) to help with relief operations. Twitter user onair_blair urge Bitcoin advocate and former Tongan lawmaker Lord Fusitu’a to set up a wallet address where people can donate bitcoins to Tonga relief funds.
With waves as high as 1.2 meters (about 4 toes) covering roads and properties, people began to flee to higher ground to escape. At the time of writing, there have been no reports of casualties. However, air and water pollution are now some of the immediate concerns for aid organisations.
Lord Fusitu’a responded with a BTC wallet address and a link where people can donate fiat to help with relief operations. This address has received a total of ,10794983 BTC ($4,625.29) since yesterday.
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Last Friday, Lord Fusitu’a told Cointelegraph about his plan to use geothermal energy from volcanoes to power Bitcoin mining operations to support the country’s finances. The country has 21 volcanoes, and according to Lord Fusitu’a, “each volcano generates 95,000 megawatts at all times leaving a lot going”. The warlord noted that a single volcano could generate $2,000 worth of Bitcoin daily, and the money would be given to Tongan families.
The former lawmaker also noted that the country would copy El Salvador’s move to put Bitcoin in legal tender. In a series of tweets published on 12 January, Lord Fusitu’a said this could happen as early as November or December this year.