Exclusive interview with the Chinese ambassador to Tonga: more than 1,000 Chinese citizens are safe
On the 15th, since the submarine volcanic eruption and tsunami disaster occurred in Tonga, Tonga's submarine communication line has been damaged, and Tonga's external communication has been interrupted.
The disaster situation in Tonga, especially the situation of Chinese citizens in Tonga, has always been a topic of our concern.
In this regard, Cao Xiaolin, my ambassador to Tonga, accepted an exclusive interview with the main station via satellite phone on the 18th. Ambassador Cao introduced the current situation in Tonga on the phone.
Cao Xiaolin, Chinese Ambassador to Tonga: On January 15, a submarine volcano in Tonga erupted and caused a chain of tsunami and volcanic ash disasters.
Due to the interruption of communications and blocked roads caused by the volcano and the tsunami, the Tongan government's statistics on the disaster are not very smooth.
Cao Xiaolin, Chinese Ambassador to Tonga: On January 18, the Tongan government reported the latest disaster situation. Large areas of houses on the west side of the main island where the capital is located were destroyed, and many citizens were relocated to shelters.
In the third largest archipelago, which is closer to the volcanic eruption, the disaster is more serious. All houses on some small islands were engulfed by the tsunami, and the specific casualties are still being counted.
The volcanic ash has polluted water sources throughout the country, all households are facing difficulties with drinking water, and crops across the country have been devastated.
Cao Xiaolin, Chinese Ambassador to Tonga: In general, property damage is very serious.
In the past few days, the local air has also been filled with volcanic ash, which is harmful to the human respiratory system.
Therefore, the government calls on the public to avoid going out as much as possible and wear masks when traveling.
The overall social order is still good. After the eruption of the volcano, our embassy immediately launched an emergency plan, strengthened communication with relevant departments of the Tongan government, and made every effort to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Tonga.
On the main island of Tonga, there are more than 1,000 Chinese citizens and company employees.
We have conducted a comprehensive investigation and they are all safe, living and working normally.
Due to the interruption of communication between Tonga and the outside world, we asked the Tongan government to assist in understanding the situation of Chinese citizens in the outer islands and actively provide assistance.
In the past few days, our embassy staff have visited some families of Chinese citizens who were severely affected by the disaster, and provided necessary assistance.
In addition, since we were unable to get in touch with our family members in China, we also reported safety to their relatives in China through appropriate means.
I also want to report to the audience in front of the TV through this interview that your relatives and friends in Tonga are safe and sound.