A THICK blanket of ash covers parts of the island Kingdom of Tonga and there is widespread saltwater inundation after the eruption of undersea volcano Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai on Saturday, that triggered tsunami waves across the Pacific region.
International communications with Tonga remain cut after the rare event, and family and friends of people living in Tonga are still awaiting news of their loved ones.
Brisbane Tongan Community public officer, Suli Layt, said authorities were “in the process of restoring power to 80 per cent of the main island”.
“I understand that some level of phone network operating domestically but they can’t connect internationally,” Mr Layt said.
The reason for the communications disruption is damage to an undersea cable, cut in two places. It could take two weeks before repairs can take place due to ongoing volcanic activity.
The volcanic eruption on Saturday prompted tsunami warnings and evacuation orders in Tonga and neighbouring countries and caused huge waves on several South Pacific islands.
Satellite images showed a 5km-wide plume of ash, steam and gas rising up into the air to about 20km.
In Auckland, 2000 kilometres away, the sound of the volcanic explosion was easily audible.
Video shared on social media shows the tsunami impact across the Pacific region.
“This volcanic eruption was up there with the likes of Krakatoa in terms of scale, so we are extremely concerned about the impacts of the eruption and tsunami in Tonga,” Caritas Australia’s Pacific Humanitarian co-ordinator Damaris Pfendt said.
“Volcanic ash and saltwater inundation from the tsunami waves have contaminated water supplies, so many communities will be left without clean water.
“Tonga already struggles with clean water supplies because it relies on groundwater and rainwater, so this will put communities in a really difficult position.
“From the few updates that have come through, we know that the devastation is significant, especially for the outer lying islands.
“There is an urgent need for fresh water and shelter, especially for the communities on the coastline whose homes were damaged by the tsunami waves. Roads and bridges have also been damaged.
“Thankfully Caritas Tonga already has emergency supplies pre-positioned in the capital and Ha’apai, so they will be able to respond quickly to immediate needs with these supplies.
“However, it’s crucial that we step up and support our neighbours in Tonga, as they recover from this devastating volcanic eruption.”
One death has been confirmed after waves flooded Tonga’s low-lying capital Nuku’alofa .
British woman Angela Glover’s body was found on Monday after she was swept away by huge swells.
Caritas Australia is currently raising funds to support communities impacted by the saltwater flooding and volcanic ash.
Visit the Caritas website here or call 1800 024 413 toll free to donate.
