Global Wiring | Exclusive connection to Chinese enterprise employees in Tonga: Volcanic ash like hail Daily contact with the embassy

Video loading...

Beijing, 19 Jan (Xinhua) -- The eruption of a volcano in Tonga and the triggering of a tsunami have attracted global attention. The safety of Chinese citizens in Tonga touches the hearts of compatriots in the motherland. Because Tonga's international communications have not yet been restored, Xinhua News Agency reporters interviewed local Chinese-funded enterprise employees through maritime satellites on the 19th.

Tonga has declared a state of emergency. The Tongan government issued its first statement on the 18th, confirming that the volcano and the tsunami caused by it have caused at least 3 deaths and some injuries. One of the three deceased, a British female citizen, was from Tabu Island, the main island where Tonga's capital is located, while the other two were from Mangao and Nomuca respectively.

Zhao Yongming, manager of the Tonga manager department of China Civil Engineering Group South Pacific Co., Ltd., recalled one of the eruptions. At that time, he and his colleagues were at the project site on the main island of Tarbe Island, when they suddenly heard a cracking sound in the sky, which made the eardrums buzz. "Then we saw volcanic clouds rapidly accumulating, the sky quickly darkened beyond sight, the ash hit the window like hail, the wiper could not be used, and the high beams could not be seen ahead."

Soon, Zhao Yongming received a message from the Chinese Embassy in Tonga, reminding The Chinese personnel to evacuate as soon as possible away from the coastline.

Due to the damage to submarine cables caused by the volcanic eruption and the tsunami caused by the explosion, tonga's communications and networks were interrupted, so Zhao Andongming and her colleagues first reported to the country through the embassy that they were safe. Subsequently, they activated the company's maritime satellite phone to contact their families at home. For several days, they have been in daily contact with the Embassy to get the latest news through the Embassy.

This is a multi-channel composite map of the Fengyun-3 E star on January 15 provided by the China Meteorological Administration. The figure shows that the texture structure of the ash mushroom cloud formed during the eruption of the Tonga volcano is clearly visible, forming an umbrella-shaped cloud with a diameter of nearly 500 kilometers, and a circular shock wave appears around the umbrella-shaped cloud, spreading around it. Xinhua News Agency (Photo courtesy of China Meteorological Administration)

Fortunately, the company's houses and supplies were not damaged. However, many parts of Tonga are still covered with thick volcanic ash, and some crops and domestic water are contaminated. Zhao Yongming said that the company had stockpiled materials for 3 months before, and now it has also enabled power generation devices; personnel wear medical masks when they go out, which not only reduces the inhalation of volcanic ash particles but also prevents epidemics; it is difficult to buy fresh vegetables in terms of life.

According to reports, Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa, has largely restored power supply, but Tonga's external communications and network services are still interrupted due to damage to submarine cables, and it is expected that the recovery will take several weeks.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press conference on the 18th that the motherland will always be behind you in times of crisis. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Tonga. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in Tonga will continue to pay close attention to the situation of Chinese citizens in Tonga and provide consular protection and assistance in a timely manner." At the same time, we also remind Chinese citizens in Tonga and neighboring countries to pay close attention to the relevant early warning information of the host country and strengthen security precautions. ”

In view of the serious disasters, shortage of materials and difficulties in people's lives in Tonga, Zhao Lijian said that china is very concerned about the practical difficulties caused by the volcanic eruption in Tonga to the production and life of the people in Tonga, and feels the same way. He said that in order to help the Tongan government and people tide over the difficulties, the Chinese side will, at the request of the Tongan side, provide assistance to a batch of emergency supplies such as drinking water, food, personal protective equipment, disaster relief equipment, etc., and arrive as soon as the local airport resumes operations and the flight conditions permit. (Reporters: Ma Xiaoyan, Zhang Yongxing, Li Ruolin, Zheng Kaijun, Guo Lei; Editors: Sun Shuo; Editors: Sun Hao, Wang Shen, Cheng Dayu)

Co-produced by the International Department of Xinhua News Agency

Produced by Xinhua News Agency's International Communication Integration Platform