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New Zealand, Australia and Japan sent resources to collaborate with the recovery of the archipelago that suffered environmental catastrophes caused by an underwater volcanic eruption and a subsequent tsunami that affected around 80% of the country’s inhabitants. In addition to providing basic supplies, neighboring nations will also assist in the restoration of communications, Internet connection, and the status of major docks.
This Thursday began the process of rebuilding Tonga after devastating days where a profound amount of damage has been suffered that has not yet been quantified. To support the island country, the neighboring nations of Australia and New Zealand issued humanitarian aid, to which shipments from Japan will be added.
In order for the first New Zealand plane to land on Tongo soil, “a gigantic effort” was necessary, according to Rear Admiral James Gilmour, of the local military to remove the ash that covered the runway of the Nukualofa international airport, capital of the Polynesian territory. .
The C-130 Hercules that arrived from Auckland – after communications were partially restored last Wednesday – “carries humanitarian aid and essential items, including water containers, temporary shelters, generators, hygiene kits and communication equipment” said the New Zealand foreign minister. This same aircraft will return and is scheduled to develop a new delivery next Saturday.
In addition, a military plane from Australia also arrived with a special sweeper to help keep the runway clear. Peter Dutton, Minister of Defense of the oceanic giant, reported that it transported water treatment plants, shelters and materials to clean the ashes of the volcano. Soon, between Thursday and Friday, another one will come.
The first of Australian humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies have landed in Tonga. Tonga is a very important member of our Pacific family and we are committed to supporting them however we can. pic.twitter.com/egmD9nD3eo
— Peter Dutton (@PeterDutton_MP) January 20, 2022
In these hours, a ship will also arrive, according to the New Zealand authorities, with a helicopter on board to check the state of the navigation channels and the dock infrastructure after the waves hit. In the meantime, an Australian ship will set sail to collaborate with the technical work.
Within the aid plan of the oceanic countries, on Friday New Zealand will send a ship that carries 250 thousand liters of fresh water along with other essential products to assist the victims.
On the other hand, Japan will also make its contributions that include drinking water and kits to remove volcanic ashes. The Japanese Ministry of Defense commented that two C-130 Hercules planes and a ship with two CH-47 Chinook helicopters will leave between Thursday and early Friday. Minister Nobou Kishi said they will do “everything possible for the people of Tonga affected by the disaster.”
All shipments were received in compliance with the Covid-19 protocol imposed by Tonga, which indicates that there can be no contact. Currently, the archipelago only records one contagion since the pandemic began.
Due to the natural disaster, three deaths were recorded, but a more complete assessment of the damage caused by the submarine volcano and the tsunami remains to be done. This task was complicated given that some islands are cut off due to the rupture of an underground cable connected to Fiji that provides a telephone connection and connectivity.
According to estimates by UN officials, spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said, approximately 84,000 people were affected, which is more than 80% of Tonga’s population. In addition, he added that three of the smaller islands suffered severe damage: “Apparently all the houses on Mango Island (36 people live there) were destroyed, two remain on Fonoifua Island (69) and there is extensive damage on Nomuka ( 239)”.
With EFE, AP and Reuters
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