One week after the eruption of Tonga's submarine volcano "Long-term support is needed"

It's been 22 days and a week since the eruption of a large submarine volcano near Tonga, an island country in the South Pacific Ocean.

With the full-scale support of each country, there are concerns about agricultural damage and power shortages caused by volcanic ash, and long-term support is required.

A man working in Tonga "The site is almost covered with ash"

A week has passed since the eruption of a large-scale submarine volcano near Tonga on January 15, and Australia and New Zealand will start on the 20th with relief supplies such as drinking water and communication equipment on military aircraft and ships. In addition to delivering water, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces transport aircraft arrived at the site on the afternoon of the 22nd, and support activities such as delivering drinking water for the first time are in full swing.

Under these circumstances, Yutaro Setoya, who works in the capital Nuku'alofa as a staff member of the WHO = World Health Organization, responded to an NHK telephone interview on the 22nd, saying, "Ashes are still flying after the eruption, but the situation is calm." I talked about the current situation.

However, in the field, he said, "Almost 99% is covered with ash, which causes damage to agricultural products and logistics is stopped. There is a shortage of food and water," he said. "Oil on remote islands. Is running out and there is a risk that it will not be able to turn electricity. "

In addition, Mr. Setoya said, "Many houses have been almost completely or partially destroyed, and it is expected that reconstruction will take some time." As the support from each country is in full swing, long-term support is required. I pointed out that there is.

3 dead 14 people injured on the island of relocation

The Tongan government has newly announced the damage caused by the eruption of a submarine volcano that was revealed by the 21st, and the number of deaths is the same as before, but 14 people were injured on multiple islands. It means that it was confirmed.

In addition, on Nomuka Island, medical facilities were washed away by the tsunami, and on Mango Island, 62 residents have lost their homes and household goods and are moving to another island.

Also, as a result of water quality inspection, it was found that groundwater and rainwater can be used for drinking water, but the crisis management authorities in Tonga still need water most, and it has been distributed so far. It is said that the amount of water is 60,000 liters.

Most of the island is destroyed by the tsunami Volcanic ash

The footage taken on the 16th of this month, the day after the eruption on Atata Island, about 7 kilometers north of Tongatapu, the capital of Tonga, shows that most of the island was destroyed by the tsunami.

In the place that seems to be the trace of the building, only the foundation remains, debris is scattered around, and you can see that the tree is uprooted.

In addition, it was covered with volcanic ash and the entire island was gray, and according to the Associated Press, all the inhabitants of the island were evacuated to the church on the island, which was spared great damage, and all were safe.

Full-scale support from each country The Self-Defense Forces have arrived

It has been a week since the submarine volcano erupted on January 15 near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean, and support from each country is in full swing.

Of these, Australia and New Zealand have been delivering relief supplies such as drinking water and communication equipment by military aircraft and ships since the 20th, and Japanese Self-Defense Forces transport aircraft also arrived at the site on the afternoon of the 22nd, drinking for the first time. I delivered the water.

In addition, the New Zealand Army has dispatched personnel to investigate the damage to the port and is investigating whether the vessel can safely berth for future support activities.

China also revealed that the Red Cross Society of China, the Red Cross Society of China, has already provided $ 100,000 in emergency assistance and provided relief supplies such as drinking water and food through the local embassy. I am doing it.

Local media "Most desired food and drinking water supply"

Tonga's main media, "Matangi Tonga," which distributes articles on the Internet, posted its first article on its website on the 22nd since the eruption on January 15.

Among them are ▽ tsunami rushing to the coast of the capital Nuku'alofa, ▽ ships and containers covered with volcanic ash scattered in the harbor, and ▽ rescue activities while removing debris and earth and sand with heavy machinery. Photos of what is happening are posted.

The article says, "It's been a week since the eruption and tsunami, and I'm impressed that we can finally tell our readers that we're safe."

"When the tsunami arrived, we were in the office along the coast and couldn't move because we couldn't evacuate in time. I took a picture of it. "

Even though the internet connection is unstable at the site, four reporters are working hard every day to cover the disaster area.

Reporter Pesi Fonua, who wrote the article, told NHK's telephone interview, "Some people say that the eruption activity has subsided, but the situation is still unknown. Volcanic ash is piled up everywhere and people are working to remove the ash. One week after the eruption, volcanic ash is still affecting people's lives. "

On top of that, "I want the Internet, which is essential for our work, to be restored quickly, but first of all, I hope that people will be safe without further eruptions, and that food and drinking water will be supplied. I was talking.