Tonga's 84% people affected by volcanic ashfall, and tsunami

The Tongan government said that ash fall and a tsunami generated by an underwater volcanic eruption have affected up to 84 percent of the country's 105,000 people. Last week, tsunami waves from the volcano wreaked havoc on Tonga, damaging villages, buildings, and the coastline. Apart from the three people believed to have died in the tsunami, the government has not reported any deaths. According to the report, there were fewer than two dozen injuries, most of which occurred on Nomuka Island. Lata imaumi Lauaki, a 49-year-old lady from Nomuka, Telai Tetu'ila, a 65-year-old man from Mango, and British national Angela Glover, 50, whose death was verified by her family last week, have been named as the three fatalities. Australia's diplomatic post on the island shared the most recent news from Tongan officials on Monday, but it was dated Friday. It stated that 62 individuals from Mango, one of the worst-affected islands, were forced to transfer to Nomuka "after losing their homes and all of their personal things." After the existing clinic was swept away by the tsunami, rescuers set up a field hospital there. However, due to a scarcity of food and supplies, the authorities stated that many of those residents may be relocated to Tongatapu, the main island. On the islands, water is still a critical resource. Despite the ash fall, officials stated that previous tests had certified ground water and rainwater as safe to drink. Ships and planes providing humanitarian goods have started arriving in Tonga since last week, after the island's single airport runway was cleared of ash. New Zealand and Australia have taken the lead in the international response, using its airforce and naval carriers to drop supplies like as water, food, hygiene kits, tents, and water-treatment and telecommunications repair equipment without making contact. Because the blasts broke the only fibre-optic sea cable carrying internet to the secluded archipelago, it was cut off for five days. Last Monday, a shaky phone line was restored, allowing "limited international phone calls."

Tonga's 84% people affected by volcanic ashfall, and tsunami

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