Last week’s volcanic eruption on Tonga has emitted one cubic kilometre of material, gas plumes rose about 30 kilometres into the sky and the atmospheric shockwave was felt as far away as Iceland. Tongans were overwhelmed by the support of the neighbouring nations, especially the restored communications.
The death toll of the recent natural disaster is three people, while communication cables damaged. Following Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano erupted on Saturday, a tsunami came in.
The east of Tonga was really damaged and washed out, so, people are happy now because they know they are safe and conneced to teh rest of the globe. During these days, the sporadic communications and information coming from Tonga was frustrating, but there was not much that could be done, StuffNZ reports.
Commenting on the fast support from New Zealanders, Tongans highly appreciated the assistance. Religious leaders and members of the Tongan community met in Invercargill on Friday. Family members of those at the meeting were safe, but the persisting issue was staying in contact with them.
Pacific Island Advisory Charitable Trust whānau resilience kaimahi Ofa Boyle said the meeting was to organise a spiritual service “for our families in Tonga”.
However, some, like Invercargill-based Wesleyan minister Tevita Taufa, say they have still been unable to speak directly to family.
