The first flights carrying fresh water and other aid to Tonga finally arrived after the main airport runway was cleared of ash left by a huge undersea volcanic eruption. Kits for temporary shelters and communications equipment were also delivered.
Communications with Tonga remain limited after Saturday’s eruption and tsunami appeared to have broken the single fiber-optic cable that connects Tonga with the rest of the world. That means most people haven’t been able to use the internet or make phone calls abroad, although some local phone networks are still working.
A navy patrol ship from New Zealand is also expected to arrive later Thursday. It is carrying hydrographic equipment and divers, and also has a helicopter to assist with delivering supplies. Another New Zealand navy ship carrying 250,000 liters of water is on its way. The ship can also produce tens of thousands of liters of fresh water each day using a desalination plant.
The U.N.’s Dujarric said “all houses have apparently been destroyed on the island of Mango and only two houses remain on Fonoifua island, with extensive damage reported on Nomuka.” He said evacuations are underway for people from the islands.
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