The capital of Tonga, which was hit by a large volcanic eruption yesterday, in any case suffered “significant damage”. These are the first messages that reach the outside world through the New Zealand Embassy. The situation outside the capital is still unknown. But the concerns are great.
The explosion cut off all telephone and internet connections between the island nation and the outside world. It is therefore unclear what exactly was the damage to Tonga and whether there were casualties among the island’s 105,000 residents.
The 1.2-meter waves can be seen on social media to wash away the cities on the island.
thick layer of ash
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been in contact with the embassy on the island in the capital, Nuku’alofa. The crown is covered with a dense layer of ash.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Defense plans to fly an aircraft over the archipelago on Monday to assess the damage, but this is still very dangerous due to ash in the air after the volcanic eruption.
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The ministry also has a military ship ready to send aid to Tonga, but first it must be clarified what the island nation’s residents need.
damage all over the world
Countries all over the world are warning of the consequences of a volcanic eruption. In New Zealand they are well aware of the consequences of the tsunami. Ports have been damaged by natural disasters. The boats are sunk or damaged.
US weather stations have issued tsunami warnings for the entire West Coast of the United States. In California, a wave of water swept the cars. In Japan, a wave of more than one meter reached the coast. There were reports of damage, but it appears that there were no injuries.
