WELLINGTON, KOMPAS.TV – New Zealand has sent a plane to Tonga to assess the damage following the country’s massive volcanic eruption and tsunami.
Ash from the eruption has covered the Pacific islands.
In addition, electricity and communication equipment in Tonga were also cut off.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IRFC) estimates that up to 80,000 people will be affected by the disaster.
Also Read: Scientist: Tonga Underwater Eruption Occurs Once A Thousand Years
As quoted from BBC, Monday (17/1/2022), New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the tsunami had caused significant damage.
So far, no deaths are estimated.
Information is scarce, but New Zealand and Australia sent flights to monitor and assess the extent of the damage.
The New Zealand Defense Force tweeted that aircraft had left to assist and assess initial impact in the area and on low-lying islands.
Katie Greenwood of the IFRC in Fiji said help was urgently needed.
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