Tonga International Call Restoration Proceed with Volcanic Ash Removal at Airport Expecting Prompt Assistance

Regarding the large-scale volcanic eruption that occurred near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean, it was announced that the international call was restored in Tonga on the 19th, and work is underway to remove the volcanic ash accumulated on the runway of the airport.

It is expected that improving communication conditions and securing transportation will lead to prompt support to the local area.

The Tongan government has announced that three people have died and many have been injured in a large volcanic eruption near Tonga on the 15th of this month.

An image taken by a local radio station employee in the capital Nuku'alofa on the 18th shows a car with ash on the roof and bonnet, and a road with ash so that the tire marks can be clearly seen. Cars traveling on the road are also photographed.

In Tonga, the submarine cable was damaged and the telephone and the Internet remained almost unreachable, but "Digicell", which develops the mobile phone business locally, issued a statement on the 19th that the international call service was restored. Published in.

Restoring calls to foreign countries is expected to lead to contact with people who did not know their safety and to understand the detailed damage situation.

Volcanic ash removal work is also underway on the runway at the local airport to resume traffic by air.

Five days after the eruption, it is expected that improving communication conditions and securing transportation will lead to prompt support for the site.

Photographs of tsunami damage and volcanic ash

According to a photograph taken by a local radio station employee in the capital Nuku'alofa on the 18th, buildings along the coast have been destroyed, trees have been knocked down, and the damage is believed to have been caused by the tsunami.

In another photo, you can see the citizens being busy cleaning debris and earth and sand.

In addition, a photo of a church about 700 meters away from the coast shows that the roof and surroundings are covered with gray ash, and the eruption caused a large amount of ash to fall.