Extreme damage has been caused in Tonga due to the volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami on 15th of January. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), approximately 12,000 households have been reported as “affected”. However, no further deaths have been confirmed, except for six fatalities.
According to the NASA Earth Observatory, the Tonga -Hunga Ha’apai volcano emitted detritus as high as 25 miles in to the atmosphere. Dramatic satellite visuals showcase the long and rumpling eruption, and thunders could be heard miles away in Alaska as well.
In a press release, Jim Garvin- NASA Scientist, has mentioned, “we think the amount of energy released by the eruption was equivalent to somewhere between 5 to 30 megatons of TNT”.
RISING HEALTH CONCERNS
Furthermore, the triggered tsunami has lead to affect human health as well as severely polluting the surroundings through emission of high levels of Sulphur in air as well as in water.
Volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami, resulted into contamination of water, which in turn exposed the Tongans to a greater risk of diseases like diarrhea and cholera. Emitted particles of volcanoes, ash and gases can potentially harm the cardiovascular system. Apart from this, OCHA is monitoring risks of possible infectious diseases.
Finally, there is a constant risk of spreading and delivering COVID to the nearby islands, which have avoided the pandemic so far.
IMPACT ON OTHER SECTORS
In a recent update on last Thursday, OCHA has confirmed that the economically vital and indispensable agricultural sector has suffered substantially. The effect of ashfall on crops and the potential of acid rain is the matter of growing concern.
Most of the Tongans survive on agriculture and fishing sectors, unfortunately they are now subjected to long-term devastation. Authorities have advised residents against consuming fish and consuming rainwater, at least until further orders.
Lately, some reports on fuel shortages have surfaced, however, petrol supplies are coming as a part of regular shipment and with some aid from Australian Government.
DIFFICULTY IN PROVIDING AID WITH LIMITED COMMUNICATION
Disaster has severely affected the communication system of Tonga region, since Tonga’s primordial undersea communication line is broken. Phones and internet communication services are extremely limited vis-ā-vis; the condition of remote areas remains unknown. Even satellite phones are of limited use because of the ash cloud.
After the tireless efforts of Tongan authorities to clear the ash from the runway, Fua’amotu International Airport is now operating at its full capacity. Humanitarian aid from countries like Australia and New Zealand have been coming and a few domestic flights have been departed as well.
Furthermore, World Food Program (WFP) has organized a “donate responsibly” campaign to raise awareness people can donate and contribute to the ones who are in dire need.
IMPACT OF DISASTER; TRAGIC OIL SPILL
The effects of volcanic eruption and tsunami have also been felt in Peru; the tragic oil spill. As confirmed by the authorities, it is impacting two natural reserves in the South American country. Severely impacting the livelihoods of the region and aquatic flora and fauna.
Therefore, the Peruvian authorities have declared an environmental emergency. However, all measures have been taken to attend the remediation of the oil spill.