On the 18th, United Nations officials briefed the outside world on the latest situation related to the tsunami disaster caused by the volcanic eruption on the tonga seabed. All houses on Tonga's Mungo Island have been destroyed and Tonga International Airport is expected to resume operations soon.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Fiji, Vichy, said on the 18th that since the eruption of the submarine volcano and the tsunami disaster, Tonga's communication with the outside world has been interrupted, until the 17th, the United Nations agencies have established weak links with some of Tonga's outer islands through satellite phones and radio. Vecchi said it was understood that all the houses on Tonga's island of Muneo had been destroyed, but it was not clear what the circumstances of the damage and the transfer of people on the island were unknown. Only two buildings on Foroyfua Island were undamaged, and Nomuca Wasrefrough was badly affected.
Vecchi said tonga international airport is still closed due to volcanic ash. However, local staff are stepping up efforts to clean up the ash from the airport, which is expected to soon resume operations.
Jonathan Vecchio, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Fiji: The medical team is in Tonga, they have some relief items, including water, food and tents, and yesterday (17th) another ship delivered some supplies to an island in Tonga.
In addition, the spokesman of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Diarik, said on the same day that the United Nations has prepared personnel and materials to assist Tonga and can be distributed to Tonga at any time.
UN Secretary-General Spokesperson Diarric: We have prepared all the relief workers and supplies that can be distributed once the humanitarian needs are identified, and our staff in Tonga are assisting the Government of Tonga in coordinating the disaster response.
Source: CCTV News Client