Rescuers from around the globe are flying to provide aid to Tonga, where an eruption and tsunami hit the country on Jan. 15. The event took place just 40 miles south of the country’s capital, Nuku’alofa. However, global Pacific coasts also felt the impact of the blast.
The eruption of an underwater volcano caused disaster to strike in the island nation. Huge waves crashed into the country’s coasts, making locals rush for higher ground.
The 7.8 magnitude quake caused the quick rise of a 49-foot tall wave. The US Tsunami Warning System says this is the biggest volcanic activity since the 1991 Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines. It’s also the second blast from the volcano in a month.
Now, days after the Tonga tsunami, many still do not have access to water, shelter, and the internet. As a result, the situation has pushed officials to call for “immediate aid,” asking for clean water and food.
A disaster for the country
The volcano, named the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai, caused a 20 km-high smoke to cover the island for days. The dark clouds loomed over the Pacific, blocking off signal and sight from nearby nations.
The nation’s western coastline, where the capital is located, was the most affected area. On social media, overseas contacts posted that the Ha’atafu Beach Resort on Tongatapu was totally wiped out. In fact, the clouds caused delays in government reports as contact was cut off for more than two days.
In the country’s first public statement, they reported three deaths from the disaster. Many more remain injured. Local officials also reported that one village was completely wiped out.
Hours after the quake, Australia and New Zealand deployed planes to survey the damage. Satellite images show broken houses, torn buildings, and wiped-out coasts. However, it is still hard to see the extent of the damage as ash plumes hinder the site range of responders. Local and global news reports also say that Tonga tsunami-affected areas remain closed off many.
Struggle with first aid, contact
The threat of the tsunami has receded, but ash plumes still make it hard for Tongans to receive aid. The country’s biggest and sole undersea internet cable was destroyed during the rumble, cutting off the nation’s only line to the internet. Reports say the cable may take weeks to repair.
Also, the ash hinders the use of satellite phones, which Red Cross responders use to contact volunteers. Thankfully, certain areas now have working phone cables. However, it is still hard for Tongans to receive critical news on the threat of the ashes.
More challenges ahead
The lack of internet access has caused overseas Tongans to worry about their family and friends’ welfare. Today, many wait on news reports on how their homes have fared.
The Tonga tsunami made waves along Pacific coasts around the world. In Peru, for instance, two people have died because of high waves. At the same time, rising sea levels pushed the evacuation of 120 residents on the New Zealand coast. Japan, Hawaii, and other US states rolled out similar measures.
Sadly, experts believe that the worst is yet to come after the Tonga tsunami. Many are concerned that the relief aid may cause a rise in COVID cases in the country. Many experts also warned that the crisis for Tonga might be far from over.
Volcano experts are speaking up on the dangers of the Hunga-Tonga volcano. They say that judging from the volcanic activity in the region; there will likely be more disaster hazards in the future.
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