Australia will partner with New Zealand to support the island nation of Tonga recover from the eruption of an underwater volcano on Saturday, sparking evacuation orders after the blast generated tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern spoke on Sunday about coordinating the countries’ aid effort, which will include offers of supplies and personnel to work with non-government organisations.
Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano spewing ash, gas and steam into the atmosphere.
Minister for International Development and the Pacific Zed Seselja said Tonga had accepted assistance from Australia and New Zealand, and the details of this effort will continue to evolve as the situation on the ground became clearer.
Mr Seselja said it was a “fluid situation” and the government was yet to receive detailed information, but it was ready to offer more assistance as the situation demands.
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“The Australian government stands ready to do much more as the situation unfolds as we understand the situation better. And we’ll be making those offers through officials,” he said.
The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano is located 65 kilometres north of Tongan capital Nuku’alofa, forming an uninhabited island that rises about 100 metres above the sea. When it erupted shockwaves were blasted across the region, and large waves rolled across the Pacific. There are no reported fatalities.
Ms Ardern said there had been significant damage in Nuku’alofa, but the situation appeared to be “calm and stable”, however, outlying areas and islands in the Tongan archipelago had not been assessed.
“Telecommunication authorities are working urgently to restore communication,” she said. “Shops along the coast have been damaged and a significant cleanup will be needed. It’s covered in thick film on volcanic dust but otherwise conditions are calm and stable.
Australia, New Zealand combine for Tonga disaster response
Source: Philippines Alive
