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New Zealand Prime Minister Ardern's latest statement comes as Tonga was abruptly cut off from the outside world after being hit by an undersea volcanic eruption and tsunami. The news makes one wonder what the impact of the eruption would be, and why the communications system was silent in the face of disaster.
The effects of volcanic eruptions are divided into short-term and long-term, and this time we focus on short-term impacts. Volcanoes are formed by magma eruptions from underground magma pools, and usually they only flow magma gently, such as Kilauea in Hawaii. However, some eruptions are enormous in scale, such as the 2012 eruption of Yellowstone, which is as powerful as a nuclear bomb explosion.
The reason why the eruption is so violent is that the underground magma pool contains not only magma, but also gases such as high-pressure water vapor, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. These gases accumulate strong pressure at high temperatures, eventually leading to the eruption of the volcano. The "mushroom cloud" formed by the eruption of the Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano even rose to an altitude of 20 kilometers, far exceeding the altitude of most civilian aircraft.
Volcanic ash is one of the direct threats to volcanic eruptions. This fine crushed stone, mineral, or volcanic glass can cause a variety of problems. First, volcanic ash can trigger lightning because the friction of its particles generates static electricity. In addition, volcanic ash can become condensation nuclei of water vapor, causing rainfall and causing mudslides.
Volcanic ash is suspended in the air and is easily inhaled into the respiratory tract, causing serious respiratory problems and even suffocation. In addition, it contaminates water and food, causing plants to die and roads impassable. Volcanic ash can also clog air intakes for various equipment, leading to power outages and the inability to use communication equipment.
The impact of volcanic ash also extended to communications, causing radio interference and the rupture of submarine cables, throwing communications into disarray. Tonga is located in a seismically active zone, and the eruption triggered a 5.8-magnitude earthquake, further exacerbating the problem of communication equipment not functioning properly.
To restore communications, satellite communications are an effective way. China's Beidou GPS provides low-cost SMS messaging, and Iridium phone is an alternative. In addition, Musk's Starlink satellite and maritime satellite phones require more peripherals, which is relatively inconvenient.
Countries have responded to requests for assistance, and the Government of New Zealand has allocated funds to assist Tonga. However, faced with the challenges of airports not yet available and volcanic ash spreading to nearby areas, aid may need to be transported by air and sea through neighbouring countries to ensure that the people of Tonga can survive the disaster.
At this critical juncture, it is hoped that the people of Tonga will face it strongly, and that the assistance of various countries will provide them with the necessary support. We need to restore communications as soon as possible to coordinate relief and help, but we also need to take a hard look at how to better respond to possible future volcanic eruptions and natural disasters.
Revelation:
The volcanic eruption in Tonga has provoked deep thoughts, including awareness of natural disasters and the importance of humanitarian assistance. Here are some revelations:
Natural disasters are relentless: Natural disasters can strike at any time, regardless of the size or economic strength of a country. This event reminds us to remain vigilant and to strengthen monitoring and early warning systems for natural disasters.
The criticality of communication: Communication is a lifeline in times of crisis, and lack of contact with the outside world can greatly hamper rescue and assistance efforts. Therefore, maintaining the availability of multiple communication channels is critical.
International solidarity: In times of disaster, international solidarity and cooperation are particularly important. The humanitarian spirit of assistance from all States is indispensable, and such solidarity is essential to assist the recovery of the affected countries.
Diverse means of communication: Diverse means of communication provide greater resilience and thus better response to emergencies. Alternative means of communication, such as satellite communications and the Beidou SMS system, can come in handy when communications infrastructure is damaged.
Summary:
The volcanic eruption in Tonga underscores the devastating power of natural disasters and the importance of humanitarian assistance in crises. Volcanic eruptions trigger multiple short-term effects, including magma flow, toxic gas releases, and ash dispersal. These impacts pose a serious threat to people's lives and survival.
The power of volcanic eruptions arises from the accumulation of magma, water vapor and other gases in underground magma pools under high temperature and pressure. Hot magma released by volcanic eruptions can cause disasters in the surrounding area, and toxic gases can cause breathing problems. Most notably, volcanic ash can cause widespread damage to the living environment, transportation, communications and agriculture.
Disruptions in communications are critical to disaster response and coordination of relief efforts. In this context, backup means of communication, such as satellite communications and the Beidou short message system, play a key role in enabling people to obtain the necessary information and assistance.
The international community's assistance to Tonga has demonstrated the power of solidarity and cooperation. Countries provide humanitarian assistance to help restore communications and infrastructure in the affected areas. Despite many challenges, including power outages and transportation problems, the arrival of international assistance will help the people of Tonga weather the disaster.
Ultimately, the eruption of the volcano in Tonga urged us to strengthen our preparedness and early warning of natural disasters, while also demonstrating the critical role of communication and international cooperation in disasters. It is hoped that the people of Tonga can resume normal life as soon as possible with the support of assistance, but also need our joint attention and learning how to better cope with future natural disasters.
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