Distress Signal Detected in Tonga After Volcanic Eruption and Tsunami

NUKU’ALOFA, KOMPAS.com – A distress signal was detected on a low-lying island of Tonga following a volcanic eruption and tsunami, the United Nations said on Tuesday (18/1/2022) when the first deaths were reported.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed concern for the two islands, Mango and Fonoi, after surveillance flights confirmed substantial property damage from Saturday’s eruption (15/1/2022), but there has been no contact with residents.

“Active distress beacon detected from Mango,” OCHA said AFP. The island is inhabited by more than 30 people, according to Tongan census figures.

Also read: Tonga Tsunami: Internet and Telephones Off, 105,000 Residents Unreachable

OCHA continued, severe damage was reported on the west coast of Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu. Several resorts and houses were destroyed or badly damaged, and two people were missing.

No details of the missing persons have been released yet, but the brother of a British woman who was swept away by the tsunami said her sister’s body had been found.

Nick Eleini said the family was devastated that Angela Glover died trying to save her dogs.

“Earlier today my family was sadly informed that the body of my sister Angela has been found,” said Eleini.

Angela Glover (50) and her husband live in Tonga. The woman runs an animal welfare charity that provides shelter and keeps wild dogs.

“I understand that this terrible accident happened when they were trying to save their dog,” said Eleini.

Three days after the eruption, information coming out of Tonga became scarce with most communications cut off.

Also read: Latest Findings, 1 Person Dies in Tonga Due to Tsunami

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