The aircraft carry essential goods such as water and communication equipment. The volcano’s ash and salt water from the tsunami caused by the eruption have polluted drinking water sources. Since last weekend’s disaster, news from Tonga has been limited as submarine communications cables were damaged. Telecommunication company Digicel, however, reported on Wednesday that telephone calls can be made with Tonga again.
Both Australia and New Zealand are also sending ships expected to arrive in Tongan waters on Friday. They transport water supplies and a desalination plant that can purify 70,000 liters of water per day. There are also divers on board who will investigate shipping routes.
The Australian military aid vessel HMAS Adelaide is also on standby in Brisbane. The country hopes the ship will leave for the island on Friday, an Australian official said. On board are water purification equipment and other humanitarian goods. The ship will also take two Chinook helicopters for heavy transport. China has promised to send emergency supplies.
Military auxiliary ship HMAS Adelaide is also on standby in Brisbane
Ⓒ EPA
Tsunami as a result
The volcano near Tonga erupted on Saturday, causing a tsunami. The eruption of the volcano was so great that it was measurable everywhere on Earth by difference in air pressure. More than 80 percent of the archipelago’s 100,000 residents have been affected by the disaster, the United Nations said on Wednesday.
The death toll after the natural disaster stands at five. Three people were killed by the volcanic eruption and two by the ensuing tsunami. The death toll could still rise.