Source: CCTV news client
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies assessed that the volcanic eruption caused serious damage to Tonga, which was likely to trigger a humanitarian disaster and urgently needed external relief in the affected area.
The director of the Asia-Pacific region of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said on the 17th that the disaster emergency fund will be launched and all preparations will be made to enter Tonga to carry out rescue.
Alexander Matthew, director of the Asia-Pacific region of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said at least 80,000 of Tonga's more than 100,000 people were affected. Although the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has emergency relief supplies in Tonga, it can only cover 1,200 families, which is far from enough for large-scale disaster relief operations. The agency will therefore activate the Disaster Emergency Response Fund to prepare for relief.
Alexander Matthew, Director of the Asia-Pacific Region of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: We are preparing to launch a disaster emergency fund to provide drinking water, hygiene supplies, sanitation facilities, shelters, etc., and we are waiting for more detailed information on the disaster to determine the scale of relief.
Alexander Matthew pointed out that although the specific situation of the local disaster is still unknown, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies deduces that Tonga is currently facing three major crises, namely water pollution, tsunami damage to houses and communications disruptions, and future rescue operations will also be carried out around these three points.
Alexander Matthew, Director of the Asia-Pacific Region of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: We can say with great certainty that water pollution is bound to occur under the dual influence of volcanic ash and tsunamis, so we believe that one of the biggest needs in Tonga right now is water purification systems and clean drinking water. Since volcanic ash is still settling, this is a top priority, and secondly, the provision of shelter is a second humanitarian concern, as the homes of anyone living in coastal areas can be damaged by a tsunami, and helping to restore links between family members is our third priority because of the severe damage to communication systems and the loss of contact with their loved ones.