The polynesian island of Tonga, which was hit by a major volcanic eruption and tsunami over the weekend, is facing the first much-needed humanitarian relief, reports the British broadcaster BBC.
After the natural cataclysms on Saturday, January 15, several days have passed before a layer of dense volcanic ash has been removed from the runway at Tonga’s main airport. At least three people have been killed in the weekend in Tonga and the only communication cable that has so far provided a remote island country with contact with the outside world has been damaged.
Also read: The eruption of an oceanic volcano kills 10,000 kilometers
On Thursday, January 20, a plane with humanitarian aid landed at Tonga’s main airport for the first time since a volcanic eruption and a subsequent tsunami. The New Zealand military plane has supplied the Tongans with water tanks, temporary canopy kits, electricity generators, hygiene and baby products, and communications equipment.
This was followed by an Australian Defense Forces aircraft. According to Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton, it supplied humanitarian aid and disaster relief equipment, the BBC reports.
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