Jimu news reporter Li Lili
According to New Zealand media reports on January 19, the clean-up of the runway at Tonga Airport is expected to be completed tonight. This means that the runway is about to open, and the two aid planes that were scheduled to arrive in succession two days after tomorrow (January 20 and 21) can land smoothly.
Previously, two days after the eruption of the Tonga volcano, New Zealand was ready to send C130 Hercules transport aircraft to Tonga to drop fresh water and food. However, the airport runway was covered with thick volcanic ash, which prevented the plane from landing.
Lord Fatafhi Fakafanua, speaker of the Tonga Parliament, who is currently in Auckland, confirmed to local media that the clean-up of the runway at Fuamotu International Airport could be completed tonight, with aid aircraft arriving on Thursday and Friday.
People work on the runway. Source: New Zealand Ministry of Defence
Lord Fakafanua said that in addition to the lack of drinking water, they also faced food shortages, with volcanic eruptions and tsunamis causing huge damage to Tonga's agriculture, "all agriculture is destroyed." ”
Crops are one of the main export products and sources of income for the locals, and are the basis for the survival of the locals.
This loss will also have an impact on Tonga's economy in the long term.
Jennifer Boggis, CEO of Hellala Vanilla, is very concerned that volcanic ash will affect Tonga's main export crops, such as yams and pumpkins, "if the ash stays on the crops long enough, it will have an impact on the crops." ”
Volcanic ash is reported to be a mixture of rock, mineral and glass particles that can trigger irritation in the eyes, nose and lungs, as well as breathing problems.
New Zealand has sent two warships to Tonga carrying emergency supplies and fresh water, which are expected to arrive on Friday.
New Zealand HMNZS Aotearoa supply ship, infographic
Meanwhile, a C130 Hercules transport aircraft will also arrive after the runway at Nuku'alofa Airport has been cleared.
In order to stop the coronavirus, the Tonga government has accepted the offer of "contactless" assistance, avoiding human contact as much as possible.
For more exciting information, please download the "Jimu News" client in the application market, please do not reprint it without authorization, welcome to provide news clues, and pay as soon as you adopt it. 24-hour reporting hotline 027-86777777.