Sydney,Australia

SYDNEY (AP) — Fiji is set to host a Pacific Nations Cup tournament featuring Samoa, Tonga and Australia A from July 2-16.World Rugby announced Thursday that the round-robin tournament will be played at Suva and Lautoka.Fiji will be aiming to clinch its sixth Pacific Nations Cup title in front of its home crowd after finishing as runners-up to Japan when the tournament was last played before the coronavirus pandemic in 2019. That tournament included Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, the United States and Canada.Tonga will be playing its first test matches since a volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami hit the country in January. —-Match schedule:July 2 at Suva: Australia A vs. Samoa; Fiji vs. TongaJuly 9 at Lautoka: Samoa s. Tonga; Fiji vs. Australia AJuly 16 at Lautoka: Tonga vs. Australia A; Fiji vs. Samoa__More AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Pacific Nations Cup to include Australia A side in July

Australia

Fiji

Tonga

Japan

Sydney

Canada

Melbourne,Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The first match of the season between New Zealand and Australian teams in the Super Rugby Pacific tournament was a convincing win for the Kiwis.The Chiefs beat the New South Wales Waratahs 51-27 on Friday at Melbourne in the first match of the so-called Super Round when all five matches will be played in the Victorian state capital.Previously this season the Australian and New Zealand conference sides, including the Fijian Drua and a Moana Pasifika team made up of players mostly from Tonga and Samoa, had played separate schedules due to COVID-19 protocols on either side of the Tasman Sea that separate the countries.Johan Lowe scored four tries for the Hamilton-based Chiefs. The Waratahs stayed in the match after red and yellow cards in the first half and after losing both of their hookers, David Porecki and Tom Horton, to injury.Waratahs prop Angus Bell was sent off for a dangerous tackle two minutes into the match and they were down to 13 men when center Jamie Roberts received a yellow card for a deliberate knockdown.Despite those setbacks, the Waratahs fought back to trail by only three points in the 51st minute when halfback Jake Gordon intercepted a Bryn Gatland pass and dashed more than 70 meters.The Chiefs then scored an intercept try of their own — Lowe picking off a pass from Welsh veteran Jamie Roberts — and Lowe added two late tries to put the match out of reach for the Sydney-based Waratahs.A match scheduled later Friday between Moana Pasifika and the Western Force was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak among Force players.In other weekend matches in Melbourne, the Auckland-based Blues were scheduled to take on the Fijian Drua and the Wellington-based Hurricanes play the Queensland Reds, both on Saturday.The Super Round concludes Sunday when the Dunedin, New Zealand-based Highlanders play the ACT Brumbies and the Christchurch-based Crusaders take on the host Melbourne Rebels.Going into the weekend, the Blues and Brumbies were level in first place with 31 points each, with the Reds a point behind. All three have seven wins from their opening eight matches.___More AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Chiefs defeat NSW Waratahs 51-27 in Super Rugby Pacific

Newzealand

Melbourne

Wellington,New Zealand

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Samantha Moala recalls she was taking a shower at her home in Tonga when she heard what sounded like a gunshot so powerful it hurt her ears.As she and her family scrambled to their car to drive inland, ash blackened the sky. The world's biggest volcanic eruption in 30 years sent a tsunami around the globe, and the first waves washed across the road as Moala drove to safety at the airport with her terrified husband and two sons.A volunteer with the Tonga Red Cross, Moala, 39, was soon attending to the cuts other people had suffered as they escaped, and giving them psychological support. She said about 50 of them stayed for two days at the airport until they got the all-clear to go back home. “People were all shocked,” she said. “But I got to mingle with them, help them, get them to be confident. It's a small little island, and we got to know each other in two hours.”Three months after the eruption, Tonga’s rebuilding is slowly progressing, and the impact of the disaster has come into clearer focus. Last week, the prime minister handed over the keys to the first rebuilt home of the 468 the government plans to reconstruct across three islands as part of its recovery program. Some 3,000 people whose homes were destroyed or damaged initially sought shelter in community halls or evacuation centers. Eighty percent of Tonga's population was impacted in some way. In the first few weeks after the eruption, Moala helped out by putting up tents and tarpaulins, and then by cooking food for other volunteers. It took five long weeks for Tonga to restore its internet connection to the rest of the world after the tsunami severed a crucial fiber-optic cable. That delayed some families from abroad from being able to send financial help to their loved ones.Three people in Tonga died from the tsunami and a fourth from what authorities described as related trauma. The sonic boom from the eruption was so loud it could be heard in Alaska and a mushroom plume of ash rocketed a record 58 kilometers (36 miles) into the sky. The World Bank estimates the total bill for the damage is about $90 million. In the small island nation of 105,000 people, that’s equivalent to more than 18% of gross domestic product. The bank noted that many coastal tourism businesses — which bring in vital foreign revenue for Tonga — were particularly hard hit, with tourist cabins and wharves destroyed. The agriculture industry also suffered, with crops lost and reef fisheries damaged.The ANZ bank says Tonga's GDP will likely contract by 7.4% this year, after it had been expected to grow by 3.7% before the volcano erupted. The international community has been helping out, with Tonga able to secure $8 million in funding from the World Bank and $10 million from the Asian Development Bank, as well as aid assistance from many places including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the European Union, the U.S. and China. But progress has been hampered by the nation's first outbreak of COVID-19, which was likely brought in by foreign military crews who raced to drop off supplies as the ash cleared. The outbreak prompted a series of lockdowns, and the country remains in a state of emergency. Moala is among the more than 8,500 Tongans who have caught the coronavirus since it began spreading through the islands. Eleven people so far have died. Moala said the outbreak had affected many businesses, including her husband's work as a tattoo artist. But as the outbreak ebbs and the rebuilding progresses, the islands' familiar rhythms are returning for many people.Among those who remain most affected are the 62 people who lived on Mango Island and about another 100 on Atata Island who may never be able to return home.The islands are located very close to the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano, and the villages were completed wiped out. Residents have now been offered land by Tonga's king to relocate onto one of Tonga's two main islands.Sione Taumoefolau, the secretary-general of the Tonga Red Cross Society, said there is a lot of work to be done relocating the residents. It's also been slow-going getting supplies to people on other far-flung islands, he said. Many of them remain without internet access after a domestic fiber-optic cable was also damaged and will likely not be repaired for months.“Three months later, people are starting to get back to normal, Taumoefolau said. “But we can see they still need psychological and social support, those that were really impacted, especially those who have to relocate.”

3 months after volcanic eruption, Tonga slowly rebuilds

Alaska

Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

Kabul, Afghanistan

Two days after the Taliban administration announced that girls’ high schools in Afghanistan will be closed, female foreign ministers from 16 nations around the world called on the Taliban to reverse their decision, saying in a statement that they are “deeply disappointed. On Wednesday, Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers backtracked on their promise to reopen schools to girls above the sixth grade. So far, they have refused to explain the sudden decision. In a joint statement on Friday, the foreign ministers of Albania, Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Bosnia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Kosovo, Malawi, Mongolia, New Zealand, Sweden, Tonga and Britain said, As women and as foreign ministers, we are deeply disappointed and concerned that girls in Afghanistan are being denied access to secondary schools this spring. They said the decision “is particularly disturbing as we repeatedly heard their commitments to open all schools for all children.”,“We call upon the Taliban to reverse their recent decision and to grant equal access to all levels of education, in all provinces of the country, they added. Taliban, which took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, is yet to win recognition from the world, as many are concerned that harsh measures and restrictions — particularly limiting women’s rights to education and work — will be imposed in the country. The ministers said they “watch closely whether the Taliban deliver on their assurances.”,“We will measure them by their actions, not by their words. The scope and extent of our countries’ engagement in Afghanistan beyond humanitarian assistance will be tied to their achievements in this regard, they said in the statement. Also Read: UN chief deeply regrets Taliban’s decision suspending girls’ education,The United States has called on the group to revoke its decision. US Special Representative Thomas West tweeted his “shock and deep disappointment” about the decision, calling it “a betrayal of public commitments to the Afghan people and the international community.”,“For the sake of the country’s future and its relations with the international community, I would urge the Taliban to live up to their commitments to their people, he added.

{\"time\":1648215746207,\"strCount\":2832,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Two days after the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/taliban-barred-females-from-high-schools-just-hours-after-they-reopened\\\">Taliban</a> administration announced that girls’ high schools in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/afghanistan\\\">Afghanistan</a> will be closed, female foreign ministers from 16 nations around the world called on the Taliban to reverse their decision, saying in a statement that they are “deeply disappointed.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"On Wednesday,&nbsp;Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers backtracked on their promise to reopen schools to girls above the sixth grade. So far, they have refused to explain the sudden decision.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In a joint statement on Friday, the foreign ministers of Albania, Andorra, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/australia\\\">Australia</a>, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/belgium\\\">Belgium</a>, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/bosnia\\\">Bosnia</a>, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/canada\\\">Canada</a>, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/estonia\\\">Estonia</a>, Germany, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/iceland\\\">Iceland</a>, Kosovo, Malawi, Mongolia, New Zealand, Sweden, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/tonga\\\">Tonga</a> and Britain said, \\\"As women and as foreign ministers, we are deeply disappointed and concerned that girls in Afghanistan are being denied access to secondary schools this spring.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"They said the decision “is particularly disturbing as we repeatedly heard their commitments to open all schools for all children.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“We call upon the Taliban to reverse their recent decision and to grant equal access to all levels of education, in all provinces of the country,\\\" they added.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Taliban, which took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, is yet to win recognition from the world, as many are concerned that harsh measures and restrictions — particularly limiting women’s rights to education and work — will be imposed in the country.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The ministers said they “watch closely whether the Taliban deliver on their assurances.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“We will measure them by their actions, not by their words. The scope and extent of our countries’ engagement in Afghanistan beyond humanitarian assistance will be tied to their achievements in this regard,\\\" they said in the statement.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/un-chief-deeply-regrets-talibans-decision-suspending-girls-education\\\">UN chief deeply regrets Taliban’s decision suspending girls’ education</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The&nbsp;United States has called on the group to revoke its decision.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"US Special Representative Thomas West tweeted his “shock and deep disappointment” about the decision, calling it “a betrayal of public commitments to the Afghan people and the international community.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“For the sake of the country’s future and its relations with the international community, I would urge the Taliban to live up to their commitments to their people,\\\" he added.&nbsp;\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>On Wednesday, the Taliban administration announced that girls’ high schools in Afghanistan will be closed</li>
 <li>In a joint statement on Friday, the female foreign ministers of 16 nations called on the group to revoke its decision</li>
 <li>“We call upon the Taliban to reverse their recent decision and to grant equal access to all levels of education," they said</li>
</ul>

Opoyi Central

Female ministers from 16 nations urge Taliban to reopen schools for Afghan girls

Afghanistan

Taliban

Belgium

Iceland

World

Bosnia

Estonia

Albania

Andorra

sweden

Britain

Kosovo

Auckland,New Zealand

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Replacement Danny Toala scored a try in the fifth minute of golden-point extra time Friday to give Moana Pasifika its first-ever win in Super Rugby, 24-19 over the Wellington-based Hurricanes.Coming off a 59-12 loss to the Hamilton-based Chiefs last weekend, the Super Rugby Pacific newcomers were given no chance of beating the Wellington-based Hurricanes despite home advantage.Though they lacked possession and were camped in their own territory for most of the match, Moana Pasifika matched the Hurricanes try for try and grabbed the crucial score when the match became only the second in Super Rugby to be decided in extra time.Moana Pasifika are making their debut in Super Rugby this season, bringing together players from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. In a checkered season, disrupted by COVID-19, they had played only two matches in five rounds before Friday’s match gave them their historic first-ever Super Rugby win.“We had to work hard from last week and we showed pride and passion,” Moana Pasifika captain Sekope Kepu said. “We worked really hard in the pre-season and we knew we had it in us. We just had to string it together tonight.The winning try came against the run of play, when replacement prop Tau Koloamatangi forced a critical turnover with Moana Pasifika in deep defense. The ball moved to Toala and he kicked into a vacancy behind the Hurricanes’ defensive line.Rushing forward, he was able to kick the ball ahead and regain it, diving through the defense to score.Until that point the teams had exchanged tries, each one answering the other. The Hurricanes had overwhelming advantages of territory and possession in the first half but Moana Pasifika defended and competed superbly.Possession leveled out in the second half and the Hurricanes found themselves under pressure as often as they had applied pressure in the first half when penalties went against Moana Pasifika 13-1.All Blacks fullback Jordie Barrett scored the first try of the match after only six minutes, running off a short pass from center Peter Umaga-Jensen and scything through the Moana Pasifika defense to score.Umaga-Jensen almost made a try for flyhalf Aidan Morgan in the 15th minute but saw it disallowed for a forward pass.Winger Josh Moorby scored a brilliant try on debut for the Hurricanes in the 56th minute but Moana Pasifika replied in the 65th minute when Levi Aumua dashed down the left touchline to score. The Hurricanes scored quickly through replacement prop Alex Fidow but Moana Pasifika tied the score at 19-19 with a try to Solomone Funaki three minutes from fulltime.___More AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Moana Pasifika beat Hurricanes for 1st Super Rugby win

auckland

Hamilton

Chiefs

Ajay Joseph

Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

The India Meteorological Department on Tuesday said that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands won't see heavy rain today, adding that the deep depression over the Andaman Sea is likely to weaken gradually in the next few hours as it moves towards the port city of Thandwe in Myanmar by noon. Cyclonic storm Asani - brewing in the region - had put rescue teams on alert. The Navy and Army were also on standby. Also read: Cyclone Asani: Heavy rains lash Andaman and Nicobar Islands, fishing suspended,In its morning bulletin, the IMD said, It would continue to move nearly northwards away from Andaman Islands, weaken gradually and cross Myanmar coast as a deep depression between latitude 16°N & 18°N. No heavy rain is in forecast for the Islands on Tuesday; some parts are likely to recieve light to moderate rain. Also read: Cyclone Asani to hit Andaman and Nicobar Islands on March 21: Report,According to the IMD report, heavy winds are likely to pick up and remain in the range 65 to 75 kms per hour, gusting to 85 kms per hour, close to the Andaman and Nicobar islands till Wednesday. The wind speed is likely to decrease gradually becoming 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph along and off Myanmar coast and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal and north Andaman Sea, the weather office said. Also read: Tsunami hits Tonga after giant volcanic eruption, islanders rush to escape waves,The IMD also informed that the sea condition is expected to remain rough. The fishermen were also advised not to venture near the coast. Tourist activities also remain suspended for now. The government last week took stock of the situation. Control rooms were set up in all three districts of the union territory and locals - living along the coasts - were evacuated. Also read: More than 1700 died due to extreme weather in India in 2021: IMD,According to officials, over 150 NDRF personnel were on duty and six relief camps were set up in anticipation of the storm. Power disruption, flooding on roads and mudslides were also predicted by the IMD as the likely impact.

{\"time\":1647924265613,\"strCount\":2862,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/india\\\">India</a> Meteorological Department on Tuesday said that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands won't see heavy rain today, adding that the deep depression over the Andaman Sea is likely to weaken gradually in the next few hours as it moves towards the port city of Thandwe in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/myanmar\\\">Myanmar</a> by noon.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Cyclonic storm Asani - brewing in the region - had put rescue teams on alert. The <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/navy\\\">Navy</a> and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/army\\\">Army</a> were also on standby.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/cyclone-asani-heavy-rains-lash-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-fishing-suspended\\\">Cyclone Asani: Heavy rains lash Andaman and Nicobar Islands, fishing suspended</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In its morning bulletin, the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/imd\\\">IMD</a> said, \\\"It would continue to move nearly northwards away from Andaman Islands, weaken gradually and cross Myanmar coast as a deep depression between latitude 16°N &amp; 18°N.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"No heavy rain is in forecast for the Islands on Tuesday; some parts are likely to recieve light to moderate rain.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/cyclone-asani-to-hit-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-on-march-21-report\\\">Cyclone Asani to hit Andaman and Nicobar Islands on March 21: Report</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"According to the IMD report, heavy winds are likely to pick up and remain in the range 65 to 75 kms per hour, gusting to 85 kms per hour, close to the Andaman and Nicobar islands till Wednesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The wind speed is \\\"likely to decrease gradually becoming 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph along and off Myanmar coast and adjoining east central Bay of <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/bengal\\\">Bengal</a> and north Andaman Sea,\\\" the weather office said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/tsunami-hits-tonga-after-giant-volcanic-eruption-islanders-rush-to-escape-waves\\\">Tsunami hits </a><a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/tonga\\\">Tonga</a> after giant volcanic eruption, islanders rush to escape waves\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The IMD also informed that the sea condition is expected to remain rough. The fishermen were also advised not to venture near the coast. Tourist activities also remain suspended for now.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The government last week took stock of the situation. Control rooms were set up in all three districts of the union territory and locals - living along the coasts - were evacuated.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/more-than-1700-died-due-to-extreme-weather-in-india-in-2021-imd\\\">More than 1700 died due to extreme weather in India in 2021: IMD</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"According to officials, over 150 <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/ndrf\\\">NDRF</a> personnel were on duty and six relief camps were set up in anticipation of the storm. Power disruption, flooding on roads and mudslides were also predicted by the IMD as the likely impact.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>150 NDRF personnel were on duty and six relief camps were set up in anticipation of the storm</li>
 <li>Control rooms were set up in all three districts</li>
 <li>The fishermen were also advised not to venture near the coast</li>
</ul>

Cyclone Asani: Strong winds likely, no heavy rain in Andaman Islands today

Cyclones

NDRF

IndiaNews

IndianArmy

IndianNavy

Myanmar

Bengal

Army

Asia

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Samoa has reported scores of new COVID-19 cases each day since detecting its first case of community transmission last week.The South Pacific island nation of 200,000 people has been in lockdown since Saturday as it deals with its first outbreak of the pandemic.The outbreak was discovered when a woman who was about to travel tested positive for the virus last Thursday and indicates the virus likely had been spreading undetected for days or even weeks.Samoa reported another 95 new cases in 24 hours to Saturday and another 85 on Sunday. Only 15 of the 196 active cases were imported from overseas, according to the the latest government statement available Monday. More than 2,200 tests have been done since Friday, the statement said.Samoa and several neighboring Pacific island nations were among the last places in the world to avoid virus outbreaks. But the more transmissible omicron variant has changed the equation, and one by one the island nations have been succumbing to COVID-19. Since the start of the year, Kiribati, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands and American Samoa have all experienced their first big outbreaks.All Samoan schools are closed, public gatherings are banned, and all stores and other services are shut down, except those considered essential.The lockdown is initially scheduled to last until Tuesday but many expect it will be extended.About 65% of all Samoans have had at least two doses of a coronavirus vaccine, according to Our World in Data.Samoa has had previous virus scares and lockdowns after returning plane passengers tested positive while isolating, but had managed to avoid any community outbreaks until now.Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Nauru are among the few remaining Pacific island nations to have avoided omicron outbreaks.

Samoa detects scores of COVID cases within days of outbreak

Covid

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Samoa will go into lockdown from Saturday as it faces its first outbreak of the coronavirus after a woman who was about to leave the country tested positive.Although health authorities have so far found just a single case, it is the first time Samoa has found any unexplained cases in the community and likely points to an undetected outbreak that has been going on for days or even weeks. A government report leaked online indicates the woman had visited church services, a hospital, stores, a library and a travel agency since first feeling ill last Saturday. Samoa and several neighboring Pacific island nations were among the last places on earth to avoid virus outbreaks. But the more transmissible omicron variant has changed the equation, and one by one the island nations have been succumbing to COVID-19. Since the start of the year, Kiribati, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands and American Samoa have all experienced their first big outbreaks.John Fala, who runs a logistics company in Samoa, said it was inevitable that Samoa would eventually get the virus, a reality brought home for many when COVID-19 began spreading in nearby American Samoa.“We've had two years to prepare,” Fala said. “Now it's finally here. Of course, there is going to be a bit of scrambling.”From midnight Saturday, all schools will be closed, public gatherings will be banned, and all stores and other services will be shut down, except those considered essential. From midnight Friday, people were required to wear masks and use vaccination cards. There were reports Friday of panic-buying ahead of the lockdown.Fala, who is vaccinated, said his company is considered an essential service and he's frantically trying to navigate the new rules to keep it operating.The lockdown is initially scheduled to last through midnight Tuesday although Fala expects it will be extended. The father of three young children, Fala said his biggest concern is that unvaccinated children will catch the virus. He said the nation of 200,000 had good rates of inoculation among adults but had only just begun vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 in the past week or so.About 65% of all Samoans have had at least two doses of a coronavirus vaccine, according to Our World in Data.Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa told people about the positive case in a special announcement to the nation late Thursday. She said the infected woman was in isolation and that her movements and contacts with people were being traced.Mata'afa said officials wanted to do all they could to contain it from spreading rapidly.“Although our country continues to traverse through these difficult times, let us continue to trust in the Lord,” Mata'afa said in her announcement.Samoa has had previous virus scares and lockdowns after returning plane passengers tested positive while isolating, but so far had managed to avoid any community outbreaks.Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Nauru are among the few remaining Pacific island nations to have avoided omicron outbreaks.

Facing its first virus outbreak, Samoa goes into lockdown

New York, NY, USA

The official global death toll from COVID-19 eclipsed 6 million on Monday — underscoring that the pandemic, now entering its third year, is far from over. The milestone, recorded by Johns Hopkins University, is the latest tragic reminder of the unrelenting nature of the pandemic even as people are shedding masks, travel is resuming and businesses are reopening around the globe. Also Read: China's local COVID cases at 2-year-high despite 'zero tolerance' policy,Remote Pacific islands, whose isolation had protected them for more than two years, are just now grappling with their first outbreaks and deaths, fueled by the highly contagious omicron variant. Hong Kong, which is seeing deaths soar, is testing its entire population of 7.5 million three times this month as it clings to mainland China's zero-COVID strategy. As death rates remain high in Poland, Hungary, Romania and other Eastern European countries, the region has seen more than 1.5 million refugees arrive from war-torn Ukraine, a country with poor vaccination coverage and high rates of cases and deaths. And despite its wealth and vaccine availability, the United States is nearing 1 million reported deaths on its own. Death rates worldwide are still highest among people unvaccinated against the virus, said Tikki Pang, a visiting professor at the National University of Singapore's medical school and co-chair of the Asia Pacific Immunization Coalition. This is a disease of the unvaccinated — look what is happening in Hong Kong right now, the health system is being overwhelmed, said Pang, the former director of research policy and cooperation with the World Health Organization. The large majority of the deaths and the severe cases are in the unvaccinated, vulnerable segment of the population. It took the world seven months to record its first million deaths from the virus after the pandemic began in early 2020. Four months later another million people had died, and 1 million have died every three months since, until the death toll hit 5 million at the end of October. Now it has reached 6 million — more than the populations of Berlin and Brussels combined, or the entire state of Maryland. But despite the enormity of the figure, the world undoubtedly hit its 6 millionth death some time ago. Poor record-keeping and testing in many parts of the world has led to an undercount in coronavirus deaths, in addition to excess deaths related to the pandemic but not from actual COVID-19 infections, like people who died from preventable causes but could not receive treatment because hospitals were full. Edouard Mathieu, head of data for the Our World in Data portal, said that — when countries' excess mortality figures are studied — as many as nearly four times the reported death toll have likely died because of the pandemic. An analysis of excess deaths by a team at The Economist estimates that the number of COVID-19 deaths is between 14.1 million and 23.8 million. Confirmed deaths represent a fraction of the true number of deaths due to COVID, mostly because of limited testing, and challenges in the attribution of the cause of death, Mathieu told The Associated Press. In some, mostly rich, countries that fraction is high and the official tally can be considered to be fairly accurate, but in others it is highly underestimated. The United States has the biggest official death toll in the world, but the numbers have been trending downward over the last month. Lonnie Bailey lost his 17-year-old nephew, Carlos Nunez Jr. who contracted COVID-19 last April — the same month Kentucky opened his age group to vaccinations. The Louisville resident said the family is still suffering, including Carlos' younger sibling, who had to be hospitalized himself and still has lingering symptoms. The aggressive reopening of the country has been jarring for them to witness. For us it is hard to let our guard down; it's going to take a while for us to adjust, Bailey said. The world has seen more than 445 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, and new weekly cases have been declining recently in all regions except for the Western Pacific, which includes China, Japan and South Korea, among others, the World Health Organization reported this week. Although the overall figures in the Pacific islands seeing their first outbreaks are small compared to larger countries, they are significant among their tiny populations and threaten to overwhelm fragile health care systems. Given what we know about COVID ... it's likely to hit them for the next year or so at least, said Katie Greenwood, head of the Red Cross Pacific delegation. Tonga reported its first outbreak after the virus arrived with international aid vessels following the Jan. 15 eruption of a massive volcano, followed by a tsunami. It now has several hundred cases, but — with 66% of its population fully vaccinated — it has so far reported people suffering mostly mild symptoms and no deaths. The Solomon Islands saw the first outbreak in January and now has thousands of cases and more than 100 deaths. The actual death toll is likely much higher, with the capital's hospital overwhelmed and many dying at home, Greenwood said. Only 12% of Solomon Islanders are fully vaccinated, though the outbreak has provided new impetus to the country's vaccination campaign and 29% now have at least one shot. Global vaccine disparity continues, with only 6.95% of people in low-income countries fully vaccinated, compared to more than 73% in high-income nations, according to Our World in Data. In a good sign, at the end of last month Africa surpassed Europe in the number of doses administered daily, but only about 12.5% of its population has received two shots. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still pressing for more vaccines, though it has been a challenge. Some shipments arrive with little warning for countries' health systems and others near the expiration date — forcing doses to be destroyed. Eastern Europe has been particularly hard hit by the omicron variant, and with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a new risk has emerged as hundreds of thousands of people flee to places like Poland on crowded trains. Health officials there have been offering free vaccinations to all refugees, but have not been making them test upon arrival or quarantine. This is really tragic because great stress has a very negative effect on natural immunity and increases the risk of infections, said Anna Boron-Kaczmarska, a Polish infectious disease specialist. They are in very high stress, being afraid for their lives, the lives of their children, they family members. Mexico has reported 300,000 deaths, but with little testing, a government analysis of death certificates puts the real number closer to 500,000. Still, four weeks of falling infection rates have left health officials optimistic. In India, where the world was shocked by images of open-air pyres of bodies burned as crematoria were overwhelmed, the scars are fading as the number of new cases and deaths has slowed. India has recorded more than 500,000 deaths, but experts believe its true toll is in the millions, primarily from the delta variant. Migrants from India's vast hinterland are now returning to its megacities in search of jobs, and the streets are packed with traffic. Shopping malls have customers, albeit still masked, while schools and universities are welcoming students after a months-long gap. In Britain, infections have fallen since an omicron-driven surge in December, but remain high. England has now lifted all restrictions, including mask mandates and the requirement that all who test positive isolate at home. With about 250,000 reported deaths, the African continent's smaller death toll is thought to stem from underreporting, as well as a generally younger and less mobile population. Africa is a big question mark for me, because it has been relatively spared from the worst so far, but it could just be a time bomb, Pang said, noting its low vaccination rates. In South Africa, Soweto resident Thoko Dube said she received news of the deaths of two family members on the same day in January 2021 — a month before the country received its first vaccines. It has been difficult, but the family is coping, she said. We have accepted it because it has been happening to other families.

{\"time\":1646653588035,\"strCount\":8943,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The official global death toll from <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/convoy-protesting-covid-19-mandates-does-beltway-circuit\\\">COVID-19</a> eclipsed 6 million on Monday — underscoring that the pandemic, now entering its third year, is far from over.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The milestone, recorded by Johns Hopkins University, is the latest tragic reminder of the unrelenting nature of the pandemic even as people are shedding masks, travel is resuming and businesses are reopening around the globe.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/chinas-local-covid-cases-at-2-year-high-despite-zero-tolerance-policy\\\">China's local COVID cases at 2-year-high despite 'zero tolerance' policy</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Remote Pacific islands, whose isolation had protected them for more than two years, are just now grappling with their first outbreaks and deaths, fueled by the highly contagious omicron variant.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Hong Kong, which is seeing deaths soar, is testing its entire population of 7.5 million three times this month as it clings to mainland China's \\\"zero-COVID\\\" strategy.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"As death rates remain high in Poland, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/hungary\\\">Hungary</a>, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/romania\\\">Romania</a> and other Eastern European countries, the region has seen more than 1.5 million refugees arrive from war-torn <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/ukraine\\\">Ukraine</a>, a country with poor vaccination coverage and high rates of cases and deaths.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"And despite its wealth and vaccine availability, the United States is nearing 1 million reported deaths on its own.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Death rates worldwide are still highest among people unvaccinated against the virus, said Tikki Pang, a visiting professor at the National University of Singapore's medical school and co-chair of the Asia Pacific Immunization Coalition.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"This is a disease of the unvaccinated — look what is happening in Hong Kong right now, the health system is being overwhelmed,\\\" said Pang, the former director of research policy and cooperation with the World Health Organization. \\\"The large majority of the deaths and the severe cases are in the unvaccinated, vulnerable segment of the population.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It took the world seven months to record its first million deaths from the virus after the pandemic began in early 2020. Four months later another million people had died, and 1 million have died every three months since, until the death toll hit 5 million at the end of October. Now it has reached 6 million — more than the populations of Berlin and Brussels combined, or the entire state of Maryland.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"But despite the enormity of the figure, the world undoubtedly hit its 6 millionth death some time ago. Poor record-keeping and testing in many parts of the world has led to an undercount in coronavirus deaths, in addition to excess deaths related to the pandemic but not from actual COVID-19 infections, like people who died from preventable causes but could not receive treatment because hospitals were full.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Edouard Mathieu, head of data for the Our World in Data portal, said that — when countries' excess mortality figures are studied — as many as nearly four times the reported death toll have likely died because of the pandemic.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"An analysis of excess deaths by a team at The Economist estimates that the number of COVID-19 deaths is between 14.1 million and 23.8 million.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Confirmed deaths represent a fraction of the true number of deaths due to COVID, mostly because of limited testing, and challenges in the attribution of the cause of death,\\\" Mathieu told The Associated Press. \\\"In some, mostly rich, countries that fraction is high and the official tally can be considered to be fairly accurate, but in others it is highly underestimated.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The United States has the biggest official death toll in the world, but the numbers have been trending downward over the last month.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Lonnie Bailey lost his 17-year-old nephew, Carlos Nunez Jr., who contracted COVID-19 last April — the same month Kentucky opened his age group to vaccinations. The Louisville resident said the family is still suffering, including Carlos' younger sibling, who had to be hospitalized himself and still has lingering symptoms. The aggressive reopening of the country has been jarring for them to witness.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"For us it is hard to let our guard down; it's going to take a while for us to adjust,\\\" Bailey said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The world has seen more than 445 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, and new weekly cases have been declining recently in all regions except for the Western Pacific, which includes <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/china\\\">China</a>, Japan and South Korea, among others, the World Health Organization reported this week.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Although the overall figures in the Pacific islands seeing their first outbreaks are small compared to larger countries, they are significant among their tiny populations and threaten to overwhelm fragile health care systems.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Given what we know about COVID ... it's likely to hit them for the next year or so at least,\\\" said Katie Greenwood, head of the Red Cross Pacific delegation.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/tonga\\\">Tonga</a> reported its first outbreak after the virus arrived with international aid vessels following the Jan. 15 eruption of a massive volcano, followed by a tsunami. It now has several hundred cases, but — with 66% of its population fully vaccinated — it has so far reported people suffering mostly mild symptoms and no deaths.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Solomon Islands saw the first outbreak in January and now has thousands of cases and more than 100 deaths. The actual death toll is likely much higher, with the capital's hospital overwhelmed and many dying at home, Greenwood said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Only 12% of Solomon Islanders are fully vaccinated, though the outbreak has provided new impetus to the country's vaccination campaign and 29% now have at least one shot.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Global vaccine disparity continues, with only 6.95% of people in low-income countries fully vaccinated, compared to more than 73% in high-income nations, according to Our World in Data.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In a good sign, at the end of last month Africa surpassed Europe in the number of doses administered daily, but only about 12.5% of its population has received two shots.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still pressing for more vaccines, though it has been a challenge. Some shipments arrive with little warning for countries' health systems and others near the expiration date — forcing doses to be destroyed.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Eastern Europe has been particularly hard hit by the omicron variant, and with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a new risk has emerged as hundreds of thousands of people flee to places like Poland on crowded trains. Health officials there have been offering free vaccinations to all refugees, but have not been making them test upon arrival or quarantine.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"This is really tragic because great stress has a very negative effect on natural immunity and increases the risk of infections,\\\" said Anna Boron-Kaczmarska, a Polish infectious disease specialist. \\\"They are in very high stress, being afraid for their lives, the lives of their children, they family members.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/mexico\\\">Mexico</a> has reported 300,000 deaths, but with little testing, a government analysis of death certificates puts the real number closer to 500,000. Still, four weeks of falling infection rates have left health officials optimistic.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/india\\\">India</a>, where the world was shocked by images of open-air pyres of bodies burned as crematoria were overwhelmed, the scars are fading as the number of new cases and deaths has slowed.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"India has recorded more than 500,000 deaths, but experts believe its true toll is in the millions, primarily from the delta variant. Migrants from India's vast hinterland are now returning to its megacities in search of jobs, and the streets are packed with traffic. Shopping malls have customers, albeit still masked, while schools and universities are welcoming students after a months-long gap.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/britain\\\">Britain</a>, infections have fallen since an omicron-driven surge in December, but remain high. England has now lifted all restrictions, including mask mandates and the requirement that all who test positive isolate at home.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With about 250,000 reported deaths, the African continent's smaller death toll is thought to stem from underreporting, as well as a generally younger and less mobile population.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Africa is a big question mark for me, because it has been relatively spared from the worst so far, but it could just be a time bomb,\\\" Pang said, noting its low vaccination rates.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In South Africa, Soweto resident Thoko Dube said she received news of the deaths of two family members on the same day in January 2021 — a month before the country received its first vaccines.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It has been difficult, but \\\"the family is coping,\\\" she said. \\\"We have accepted it because it has been happening to other families.\\\"\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>The official global death toll from COVID-19 eclipsed 6 million on Monday</li>
 <li>Hong Kong, which is seeing deaths soar, is testing its entire population of 7.5 million three times this month</li>
 <li>Death rates worldwide are still highest among people unvaccinated against the virus</li>
</ul>

Global death toll from COVID surpasses 6 million

Health

covid19

Romania

Ukraine

India

SouthKorea

Mexico

Hungary

China

HongKong

Berlín

Kentucky

Maryland

Cape Canaveral,United States

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — America’s newest weather satellite blasted off Tuesday to improve wildfire and flood forecasting across the western half of the country.It's the replacement for a satellite launched exactly four years ago, which ended up with a cooling line blockage that hindered its main camera. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the new model is redesigned to avoid the problem. It will be designated GOES-18 after reaching an equatorial orbit 22,000 miles (36,000 kilometers) up. The first images should come next year, following months of testing.This is the third in a nearly $11.7 billion series of four weather satellites that are among the most advanced ever built; the cost includes 30 years of operation. The first soared in 2016 to track Atlantic hurricanes and other East Coast weather, while the second lifted off March 1, 2018. The fourth is set to launch in 2024.The NASA-supported GOES satellites “provide the only continuous coverage of weather and hazardous environmental conditions in the Western Hemisphere,” said NOAA program director Pam Sullivan. These observations are even more critical now in a time when the U.S. is experiencing a record number of billion-dollar disasters.GOES-17 — which is losing as much as 10% of its data because of overheating camera detectors — will be moved aside as an orbiting spare, once the newly launched craft is ready to take its place next year over the Pacific. Each is the size of a small school bus, weighing more than 6,000 pounds (2,700 kilograms).Besides observing conditions here on Earth, the satellites also monitor solar flares and the resulting space weather. Despite its flaw, GOES-17 beamed back stunning pictures of the Tonga volcanic eruption in January. The new satellite should provide even better images of such events, according to NOAA scientists.Tuesday's Cape Canaveral liftoff aboard United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket coincided with the opening of the so-called meteorological spring. The three-month season begins March 1, as defined by meteorologists and climatologists for record-keeping. This year's spring equinox falls on March 20.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Weather satellite rockets to orbit to monitor US West

America

NASA

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The first two booms from the volcano were scary enough, but the third explosion was immense, sending everyone from the village running from their homes in a reaction that would save all but one of their lives.Even now, more than five weeks later, the children from Mango Island still often run or cower when they hear a thunderclap or loud noise.The small island in Tonga was one of the closest places to the Jan. 15 South Pacific volcanic eruption, an event so massive it sent out a sonic boom that could be heard in Alaska and a mushroom plume of ash that was seen in startling images taken from space. On Mango Island, every single home was destroyed by the tsunami that followed. All 62 survivors were rescued by boat and moved to Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa, where they have been living together since in a church hall. Most of that time they've been in lockdown after Tonga experienced its first outbreak of the coronavirus.Two of the survivors described their experiences and uncertain future to The Associated Press in an interview that was translated by an official from the Tonga Red Cross.Sione Vailea, 52, said Mango Island is the prettiest place he knows and nothing compares to it in all of Tonga. Just 14 families lived on the island, he said, all of them close together in a single village. Each family owned a small, open-sided boat and each morning the weather was favorable, they would go onto the ocean to catch reef fish, snapper, octopus and lobster. What they couldn't eat themselves they would take to the capital to sell, getting enough money to buy food and other necessities. For those fortunate enough to have a decent-sized engine on their boats, it was a six-hour return journey to the capital, but it could take double that time for those puttering along on 15 horsepower.Mango Island is a little over 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai undersea volcano, which back in late 2014 had rumbled to life, creating a small, new island and briefly disrupting air travel in a series of eruptions.But those were nothing compared to the scale of eruption that took place on that Saturday evening in January. When the islanders heard the third massive boom, they began running from their low-lying village up a nearby hill, the highest point on Mango Island. “There was no sign that there was going to be a tsunami, but our gut feeling was we needed to get up to the top, because we weren't sure what was happening,” Vailea said.As the island's appointed town officer, Vailea checked to make sure everybody was gathered. He noticed one family was missing.Another survivor, 72-year-old Sulaki Kafoika, who goes by the name Halapaini — or talking chief — a title bestowed upon him by Tonga's king, said that once he got to the top of the hill, he looked back. He could see waves crashing over the tops of their houses. He'd never experienced anything like it in his life.Vailea scrambled back down the hill and saw the wife, two daughters and son of a 65-year-old man coming up. The man was gone, taken by the waves. “He was the first victim of the tsunami,” Vailea said. “Because he died right then, as they were trying to get up to the top of the island.”Two other people elsewhere in Tonga also died from the tsunami, including a British national, and a fourth person died from what authorities described as related trauma. The tsunami crossed the Pacific Ocean to Peru, where it caused an oil spill and two more people drowned.On Mango Island, night's darkness quickly followed the tsunami as the villagers remained huddled at the top of the hill. Throughout the night, the men held blankets above the women and children to protect them from the ash and small volcanic rocks that were pelting down. The tsunami had cut off all phone and internet connections, and they were alone and isolated.When dawn broke, they walked down the hill and found the body of the drowned man. Amid the wreckage, they found a small shovel and an axe. They dug a grave, a process that took much of the day after they hit rock about 1 meter (3 feet) down.All of their boats were wrecked and they had almost no food. After searching the village, they found two small bags of rice, which they cooked for the children, Vailea said. The adults ate nothing that day, or the next, as they waited. Finally on Tuesday morning, a boat arrived from a neighboring island to check on them. Their neighbors had brought with them some cassava, a root vegetable, and a bunch of plantains, which are similar to bananas.“They cooked it and it was the best meal,” said Vailea. “On a normal day, you wouldn’t call it a good meal. But on that Tuesday, it was very special.”The next day, they were all transported to the nearby island of Nomuka and then a few days later to Nuku'alofa, the capital, where they have been living since. None of them have been back to Mango Island. Until Sunday, they were in lockdown after the outbreak of the virus, which was likely brought in by foreign military crews delivering vital aid.The survivors say it has been difficult for them over the past few weeks as they deal with the trauma and the lockdown restrictions, but it has helped immensely that they have all been living together and have been able to comfort one another. They've benefited from the clothes, food and money that have been donated by people from around the world.What happens next remains uncertain. As town officer, Vailea has been meeting regularly with Tongan officials but said the final decision of whether they will be able to return and resettle Mango Island rests with Tonga's government and the monarch, King Tupou VI. The survivors hope they will get a decision within the coming weeks.Vailea said the people of Mango Island are split, with some wanting to return and others happy to start life afresh in Nuku'alofa or elsewhere. He said it is his duty to support whatever his people want.Halapaini said he has mixed feelings. All the good things that he enjoyed in life were on Mango Island, but he also worries that the volcano could erupt again. Vailea is more emphatic. He wants to return to Mango Island, where life can be hard but where you own your time and share everything with your neighbors. Where you wake up in the morning and jump on your boat to fish.

Uncertain future for islanders who survived Tongan eruption

Wellington, New Zealand

Tonga's main internet connection to the rest of the world has finally been restored more than five weeks after a huge volcanic eruption and tsunami severed a crucial undersea cable. Three people in Tonga were killed by the Jan. 15 tsunami, dozens of homes were destroyed and drinking water was tainted. Also Read | Dubai International becomes world's busiest airport for global travel,The fiber-optic cable is now fully operational again after being reconnected Tuesday, said Samiuela Fonua, the chairperson at Tonga Cable Ltd. the state-owned company that owns the cable. “It's a huge relief when you know things have come to the end and are working well,” Fonua told The Associated Press. “It's one step forward for the country.”,Fonua said the crew aboard a repair ship replaced about 90 kilometers (56 miles) of cable that had been damaged by the tsunami. His company didn't have enough spare cable, Fonua added, and needed to borrow some from other companies. Also Read | Tonga volcano was 'hundreds of times' more powerful than Hiroshima bomb: NASA,The fix means that Tonga Cable can now focus on repairing a second severed cable that connects some of the outer islands to the main island, Fonua said. That cable runs close to the undersea volcano. Fonua said that entrepreneur Elon Musk's SpaceX company had also been helping restore connections through its network of low-orbit satellites called Starlink. Fonua said his company had been testing the satellite connections this week and they had been working well. He said that now the main cable was restored, he hoped the SpaceX connections could be used for reconnecting people on some of the outer islands. Officials in neighboring Fiji said SpaceX had established a station there to help restore connections in Tonga. Tonga has also been grappling with its first outbreak of the coronavirus, which may have been brought in by foreign military crews aboard ships and planes delivering vital aid after the eruption. ,Also Read | Explained: How did Tonga manage 'contactless' delivery of international aid?,The outbreak has grown to more than 250 cases but so far there have been no reported deaths. The country of 105,000 has begun easing some virus restrictions after initially imposing a lockdown. Tongan health officials say that 90% of people aged 12 and over have had at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

{\"time\":1645582852516,\"strCount\":2980,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tonga's main internet connection to the rest of the world has finally been restored more than five weeks after a huge volcanic eruption and tsunami severed a crucial undersea cable.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Three people in Tonga were killed by the&nbsp;Jan. 15 tsunami,&nbsp;dozens of homes were destroyed and drinking water was tainted.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/dubai-international-becomes-worlds-busiest-airport-for-global-travel\\\">Dubai International becomes world's busiest airport for global travel</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The fiber-optic cable is now fully operational again after being reconnected Tuesday, said Samiuela Fonua, the chairperson at Tonga Cable Ltd., the state-owned company that owns the cable.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“It's a huge relief when you know things have come to the end and are working well,” Fonua told The Associated Press. “It's one step forward for the country.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Fonua said the crew aboard a repair ship replaced about 90 kilometers (56 miles) of cable that had been damaged by the tsunami. His company didn't have enough spare cable, Fonua added, and needed to borrow some from other companies.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/tonga-volcano-was-hundreds-of-times-more-powerful-than-hiroshima-bomb-nasa\\\">Tonga volcano was 'hundreds of times' more powerful than Hiroshima bomb: NASA</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The fix means that Tonga Cable can now focus on repairing a second severed cable that connects some of the outer islands to the main island, Fonua said. That cable runs close to the undersea volcano.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Fonua said that entrepreneur Elon Musk's <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/elon-musk-helping-restore-tongan-internet-as-covid-19-outbreak-grows\\\">SpaceX company had also been helping</a> restore connections through its network of low-orbit satellites called Starlink.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Fonua said his company had been testing the satellite connections this week and they had been working well. He said that now the main cable was restored, he hoped the SpaceX connections could be used for reconnecting people on some of the outer islands.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Officials in neighboring Fiji said SpaceX had established a station there to help restore connections in Tonga.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tonga has also been grappling with its <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/disaster-hit-tonga-faces-first-covid-outbreak-after-world-rushes-to-offer-aid\\\">first outbreak</a> of the coronavirus, which may have been brought in by foreign military crews aboard ships and planes delivering vital aid after the eruption.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/how-did-tonga-manage-contactless-delivery-of-international-aid\\\">Explained: How did Tonga manage 'contactless' delivery of international aid?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The outbreak has grown to more than 250 cases but so far there have been no reported deaths. The country of 105,000 has begun easing some virus restrictions after initially imposing a lockdown.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tongan health officials say that 90% of people aged 12 and over have had at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.\"}}]}

Shubham Banerjee

<ul>
 <li>Three people in Tonga were killed by the&nbsp;Jan. 15 tsunami</li>
 <li>The fiber-optic cable is now fully operational again after being reconnected Tuesday</li>
 <li>Elon Musk's SpaceX company had also been helping restore connections</li>
</ul>

5 weeks after volcanic eruption, Tonga internet restored

Volcano

Internet

SpaceX

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Tonga's main internet connection to the rest of the world has finally been restored more than five weeks after a huge volcanic eruption and tsunami severed a crucial undersea cable.Three people in Tonga were killed by the Jan. 15 tsunami and dozens of homes destroyed.The fiber-optic cable is now fully operational again after being reconnected Tuesday, said Samiuela Fonua, the chairperson at Tonga Cable Ltd. the state-owned company that owns the cable.“It's a huge relief when you know things have come to the end and are working well,” Fonua told The Associated Press. “It's one step forward for the country.”Fonua said the crew aboard a repair ship replaced about 90 kilometers (56 miles) of cable that had been damaged by the tsunami. His company didn't have enough spare cable, Fonua added, and needed to borrow some from other companies.The fix means that Tonga Cable can now focus on repairing a second severed cable to some of the outer islands to the main island, Fonua said. That cable runs close to the undersea volcano.Fonua said that entrepreneur Elon Musk's SpaceX company had also been helping restore connections through its network of low-orbit satellites called Starlink.Fonua said his company had been testing the satellite connections this week and they had been working well. He said that now the main cable was restored, he hoped the SpaceX connections could be used for reconnecting people on some of the outer islands.Officials in neighboring Fiji said SpaceX had established a station there to help restore connections in Tonga.Tonga has also been grappling with its first outbreak of the coronavirus, which may have been brought in by foreign military crews aboard ships and planes delivering vital aid after the eruption. The outbreak has grown to more than 250 cases but so far there have been no reported deaths. The country of 105,000 has begun easing some virus restrictions after initially imposing a lockdown.Tongan health officials say that 90% of people aged 12 and over have had at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Tonga's internet finally restored 5 weeks after big eruption

tsunami

Bangkok,Thailand

BANGKOK (AP) — With the first community outbreak of the coronavirus in the Solomon Islands spreading rapidly through the largely unvaccinated population, the Red Cross warned Thursday that the Pacific Island nation's fragile health care system is at risk of becoming overwhelmed.The capital Honiara has only one small hospital and authorities have already turned a sports building into a field hospital and a football stadium into a vaccination center, said Clement Manuri, secretary general of the Solomon Islands Red Cross Society.“What's currently happening is they are trying to keep only people who are really sick with COVID-19, with difficulty breathing, in those facilities,” Manuri told The Associated Press in an interview from Honiara.“Otherwise the advice is for people who have tested positive to self-isolate in their homes.”The nation of some 690,000 is spread across hundreds of islands, and many are served by only small health care clinics or have no nearby facilities at all, Manuri said. “I think the fear now is if it goes to the villages it will be a very serious problem,” he said. Solomon Islands authorities said last week that one in every two people in the capital now have COVID-19 symptoms, but with the lack of testing it is hard to say exactly how many are currently ill with the virus, because the regular flu is also going around right now, Manuri said.Officially, there have been 68 confirmed deaths from COVID-19 and 5,043 cases, according to Our World in Data.With the appearance of the highly contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus, several other Pacific countries are also experiencing their first community outbreaks now. Like the Solomon Islands, all have limited health care resources, and there is concern that their remoteness may make helping them difficult. “We have already seen in Fiji and Papua New Guinea how this ruthless virus overwhelms hospitals and health systems,” said Katie Greenwood, the head of the Red Cross' Pacific delegation, in a statement. As COVID takes off across the Pacific, it’s more important than ever that vaccines get in the arms of people who are unvaccinated.” In the Solomon Islands, authorities have been struggling with their vaccine rollout, particularly in hard-to-reach outlying islands. In addition, Manuri said, there is a high level of vaccine hesitancy, largely from false information being spread.With the current outbreak, however, people are now rushing to be vaccinated, at times overwhelming the vaccination stations.“People are lining up all day,” he said. The surge in interest seems partially in response to the outbreak, but also because of new government regulations closing many facilities to non-vaccinated people, Manuri said. Currently only 11% of the population is fully vaccinated, but another 17% have now had their first shot, according to Our World in Data. Elsewhere in the region, cases have been reported for the first time in Tonga, Kiribati, Samoa and Palau, and Fiji has been battling an ongoing outbreak for months. Palau has nearly its entire population fully vaccinated, while Fiji has 68% and Samoa 65%. Kiribati is only at 38% but another 24% have now had their first shot.Tonga was coated with ash after the Jan. 15 eruption of the massive undersea Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano nearby, then hit with a tsunami that followed.As international aid came in, so did the coronavirus.It has now seen more than 200 cases as the virus has spread. Lockdown measures have been imposed to try and contain the pandemic, and so far there have been no deaths.Tonga has 61% of its total population fully vaccinated. Of the population eligible for vaccination, aged 12 and up, 90% are fully vaccinated and more than 98% have had at least one shot.Health Minister Saia Piukala said no positive cases have been critically ill so far, and that an Australian navy ship is standing by in case the situation worsens.“The ship has 40 beds and three operating rooms,” he was quoted as saying by Tonga's online news portal Matangi Tonga. “They can help if any emergencies happen right now.”

Solomon Islands coronavirus outbreak causing growing concern

Bangkok

Cameroon,Cameroon

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — A month after an undersea volcanic eruption and ensuing tsunami lashed Tonga, a U.N. official said Wednesday that 80% of the Pacific island nation’s 105,000 people were affected and the country needs over $90 million to start repairing damage and restoring its key farming and fishing sectors.Sanaka Samarasinha, the U.N. resident coordinator for Tonga, said during a virtual news conference from neighboring Fiji that “the anxiety hasn’t gone away with the receding waters of the tsunami.”Cyclone season is still in full swing, and there are almost weekly earthquakes in the region, the latest a magnitude 5.0 quake only a few hours earlier just 47 kilometers (30 miles) from the capital, Nuku’alofa, Samarasinha said. He said no damage had been reported.The Jan. 15 eruption left a thick layer of volcanic ash blanketing Tonga’s main island, tainting much of its drinking water. Several small settlements on outlying islands were wiped out, and the tsunami severed the sole fiberoptic cable that connects Tonga to the rest of the world. Four people died.Samarasinha said 14 U.N. agencies and the international community are supporting Tonga’s relief and recovery efforts, providing almost 40 tons of water and sanitation supplies, reconnecting Tonga with the rest of the world through emergency telecommunications services and logistics, and providing food, school materials and psychological support.The U.N. also plans to provide cash to 5,000 of Tonga’s most affected people, including 2,000 who are still displaced from their homes and others who lost their livelihoods, he said.Tonga had been COVID-19 free for almost two years but the volcano’s aftermath brought the coronavirus to the island, when two Tongan dockworkers tested positive. Samarsinha said the country is in lockdown until Feb. 20, and because of its high vaccination rate -- 89% with double doses -- those infected have displayed mild symptoms.The World Bank estimates $90.4 million in losses, which represents 18.5% of Tonga’s GDP, he said.More than 80% of the country’s people depends on small scale agriculture and fisheries and livestock just for consumption, Samarsinha said. The World Bank estimated losses to agriculture, forestry and fisheries at $20.9 million. There were also multimillion-dollar losses to homes, schools, churches, community halls and other non-residential buildings, and infrastructure including roads, bridges and the ruptured undersea cable, he said.He said approximately $30 million has either come in or is about to come in for relief assistance, and some will be used for early recovery programs.Samarsinha stressed that the $90.4 million in estimated losses doesn’t take into account future losses from tourism, agriculture or commerce.“We know that much of the infrastructure that was destroyed or damaged beyond the homes of people was the tourism infrastructure,” he said.“We must support the government’s efforts to quickly prepare and implement a comprehensive recovery plan, one that takes into account the economy and infrastructure as detailed in the World Bank report, but also focuses on those who are most are most affected,” Samarasinha said.

Tonga needs over $90 million to start repairs from volcano

UnitedNations

WorldBank

BANGKOK (AP) — Coronavirus cases continue to rise rapidly in Tonga, and tests have confirmed that the particularly contagious omicron variant is behind the isolated Pacific island nation's first community outbreak since the start of the pandemic, officials said Thursday. Health Minister Saia Piukala told reporters that 31 more people had tested positive for the virus, nearly doubling Tonga's active cases for the second day in a row to a total of 64, the online Matangi Tonga news portal and other media reported.While the number may seem small, the nation of 105,000 had managed to escape thus far without any infections aside from a single case brought in from a missionary returning to Tonga from Africa last October, which was successfully isolated. But with the deliveries of critically-important international aid following the Jan. 15 eruption of the massive undersea volcano and a resulting tsunami, two dock workers tested positive at the start of last week for COVID-19.Despite efforts to contain the outbreak, it has been spreading and is now being reported in more areas, Piukala said. Five tests that had been sent to Australia for analysis confirmed it was the omicron variant of the virus, he said. Three people were confirmed killed in the eruption and tsunami, and several small settlements in outlying islands were wiped out. A thick layer of volcanic ash also blanketed the main island and tainted much of the drinking water, and may have damaged crops.The only fiber-optic cable to the island was severed in the eruption, making communications sporadic, at best. With several areas now in complete lockdown, the Education Ministry has started home schooling with teachers giving lessons over FM radio.The Red Cross and other health authorities have warned that as Tonga tries to deal both with the aftermath of the natural disaster and the coronavirus outbreak, its fragile health care system risks becoming quickly overwhelmed.At the same time, Tonga's isolation — which helped protect it from the virus for more than two years — is now a liability, making it more difficult to provide outside assistance. In a sign of hope, however, Piukala said all of the latest cases have so far only reported mild symptoms, and that all were vaccinated except for the children.He did not say how many children were affected.Tonga's vaccination program had already been doing well, but the current outbreak has led thousands of people to turn out for their first shots or boosters.As of Wednesday, 98% of the country's eligible population, aged 12 and up, have received at least one dose and 88% are fully vaccinated. More than 67% of Tonga's total population has been fully vaccinated, according to the Health Ministry.

Tonga's virus outbreak growing rapidly; omicron confirmed

Coronavirus

Entrepreneur Elon Musk is helping reconnect Tonga to the internet after a volcanic eruption and tsunami cut off the South Pacific nation more than three weeks ago, according to officials, while repairs on an undersea cable are proving more difficult than first thought. The tsunami severed the sole fiber-optic cable that connects Tonga to the rest of the world and most people remain without reliable connections. Also Read | Tonga volcano was 'hundreds of times' more powerful than Hiroshima bomb: NASA,Three people were confirmed killed in the Jan. 15 eruption of the massive undersea volcano and the resulting tsunami, and several small settlements in outlying islands were wiped out and a thick layer of volcanic ash that blanketed the main island tainted much of the drinking water. Tonga had avoided the COVID-19 pandemic for more than two years, but it is now in the midst of an outbreak with new infections growing rapidly after the virus was apparently brought in by foreign military crews aboard ships and planes delivering critical aid after the volcanic eruption. With many displaced people in the aftermath of the eruption, an already fragile health care system and the isolation of the islands, the outbreak is a particular cause for concern, said Katie Greenwood, the head of delegation in the Pacific for the International Red Cross. “Resourcing community health and primary health facilities, especially in remote locations, is extremely challenging,” she told The Associated Press. “COVID most certainly presents a threat to these systems and to vulnerable people who may not access the level of care required.”,Also Read | Explained: How did Tonga manage 'contactless' delivery of international aid?,Many Tongans are now in lockdown with their communications severely restricted due to the severed undersea cable. But with Musk’s involvement, there was hope that better connectivity would be restored soon. A top official in neighboring Fiji tweeted that a team from Musk’s SpaceX company was in Fiji establishing a station that would help reconnect Tonga through SpaceX satellites. SpaceX runs a network of nearly 2,000 low-orbit satellites called Starlink, which provides internet service to remote places around the world. Fiji Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum tweeted about the SpaceX work, saying the volcano’s shockwave had “shattered Tonga’s internet connection, adding days of gut-wrenching uncertainty to disaster assessments.”,A spokeswoman for Sayed-Khaiyum said Wednesday she was waiting for more information about the Starlink project before providing further details. SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment. Also Read | With 112th success in a row, SpaceX's Falcon 9 is reaching for the stars,Musk had earlier shown interest in Tonga’s plight. Less than a week after the eruption, he asked on Twitter: “Could people from Tonga let us know if it is important for SpaceX to send over Starlink terminals?”,New Zealand politician Dr. Shane Reti wrote to Musk asking him to help provide a Starlink connection. After the reports from Fiji emerged, Reti tweeted: “Very pleased. Elon Musk providing satellite to Tonga.”,Meanwhile Samiuela Fonua, the chairperson at Tonga Cable Ltd. the state-owned company that owns the crucial undersea cable, told the AP that repairs to the cable might not be completed until the end of next week. Fonua said the good news was that the crew aboard the repair ship CS Reliance had managed to locate both ends of the damaged cable. The bad news, he said, was the damage was extensive and his company didn’t have enough cable aboard the ship to replace a mangled section of more than 80 kilometers (50 miles). Fonua said there was extra cable aboard the Reliance that was owned by other companies, and Tonga Cable was hoping to secure agreements with those companies to use it. ,A U.N. team has provided small satellites and other telecommunications support to boost connectivity and communications, said spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, and more equipment was on the way. Also Read | SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 'classified' US intelligence satellite: Watch,Dujarric said that UNICEF had sent 15,000 rapid test kits and that the World Health Organization was sending 5,000 PCR tests to help with the outbreak. ,The outbreak started after two Tongan dockworkers tested positive for the virus last week. Despite efforts to stop the virus from spreading, the number of cases has been growing and Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni said Wednesday that infections more than doubled overnight, with 19 new cases. ,That brings the total to 35 cases overall in the nation of 105,000 — 34 in the current outbreak and one from last October, when a missionary tested positive after returning from Africa via New Zealand. ,Health Minister Saia Piukala said several of the new cases reported Tuesday included people who went out to drink kava, a popular intoxicating drink made from the root of a local plant, with a friend who was infected. “It is prohibited for kava clubs to operate at this time,” Piukala reminded Tongans, according to the Matangi Tonga online news portal. ,Also Read | Elon Musk offers to endorse McDonald's if it accepts Dogecoin cryptocurrency,With communications restricted due to the severed undersea cable, Sovaleni addressed Tongans on Wednesday over the radio to update them on the outbreak. ,Tonga had been doing well with its vaccinations before the current outbreak, but now that the virus has reached the country, thousands have been turning out for shots, according to the Health Ministry. On Monday, 2,185 people received booster shots, 140 people got their first doses and 281 received second doses, Matangi Tonga reported. Overall, 97% of the eligible population, aged 12 and up, have received at least one dose and 88% have received a second. At least 67% of Tonga's total population is now fully vaccinated, according to the Health Ministry.

{\"time\":1644403365375,\"strCount\":7031,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Entrepreneur <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/elonmusk\\\">Elon Musk</a> is helping reconnect <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/tonga\\\">Tonga</a> to the internet after a&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/tsunami-hits-tonga-after-giant-volcanic-eruption-islanders-rush-to-escape-waves\\\">volcanic eruption and tsunami</a>&nbsp;cut off the South Pacific nation more than three weeks ago, according to officials, while repairs on an undersea cable are proving more difficult than first thought.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The tsunami severed the sole fiber-optic cable that connects Tonga to the rest of the world and most people remain without reliable connections.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/tonga-volcano-was-hundreds-of-times-more-powerful-than-hiroshima-bomb-nasa\\\">Tonga volcano was 'hundreds of times' more powerful than Hiroshima bomb: NASA</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Three people were confirmed killed in the Jan. 15 eruption of the massive undersea volcano and the resulting tsunami, and several small settlements in outlying islands were wiped out and a thick layer of volcanic ash that blanketed the main island tainted much of the drinking water.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tonga had avoided the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/covid19\\\">COVID-19</a> pandemic for more than two years, but it is now in the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/disaster-hit-tonga-faces-first-covid-outbreak-after-world-rushes-to-offer-aid\\\">midst of an outbreak</a> with new infections growing rapidly after the virus was apparently brought in by foreign military crews aboard ships and planes delivering critical aid after the volcanic eruption.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With many displaced people in the aftermath of the eruption, an already fragile health care system and the isolation of the islands, the outbreak is a particular cause for concern, said Katie Greenwood, the head of delegation in the Pacific for the International Red Cross.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Resourcing community health and primary health facilities, especially in remote locations, is extremely challenging,” she told The Associated Press. “COVID most certainly presents a threat to these systems and to vulnerable people who may not access the level of care required.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/how-did-tonga-manage-contactless-delivery-of-international-aid\\\">Explained: How did Tonga manage 'contactless' delivery of international aid?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Many Tongans are now in lockdown with their communications severely restricted due to the severed undersea cable.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"But with Musk’s involvement, there was hope that better connectivity would be restored soon.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A top official in neighboring Fiji tweeted that a team from Musk’s SpaceX company was in Fiji establishing a station that would help reconnect Tonga through <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/spacex\\\">SpaceX</a> satellites.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"SpaceX runs a network of nearly 2,000 low-orbit satellites called Starlink, which provides internet service to remote places around the world.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Fiji Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum tweeted about the SpaceX work, saying the volcano’s shockwave had “shattered Tonga’s internet connection, adding days of gut-wrenching uncertainty to disaster assessments.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A spokeswoman for Sayed-Khaiyum said Wednesday she was waiting for more information about the Starlink project before providing further details. SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/spacexs-falcon-9-launches-49-starlink-satellites-in-record-112th-successful-launch-in-a-row\\\">With 112th success in a row, SpaceX's Falcon 9 is reaching for the stars</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Musk had earlier shown interest in Tonga’s plight. Less than a week after the eruption, he asked on Twitter: “Could people from Tonga let us know if it is important for SpaceX to send over Starlink terminals?”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"New Zealand politician Dr. Shane Reti wrote to Musk asking him to help provide a Starlink connection. After the reports from Fiji emerged, Reti tweeted: “Very pleased. Elon Musk providing satellite to Tonga.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Meanwhile Samiuela Fonua, the chairperson at Tonga Cable Ltd., the state-owned company that owns the crucial undersea cable, told the AP that repairs to the cable might not be completed until the end of next week.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Fonua said the good news was that the crew aboard the repair ship CS Reliance had managed to locate both ends of the damaged cable. The bad news, he said, was the damage was extensive and his company didn’t have enough cable aboard the ship to replace a mangled section of more than 80 kilometers (50 miles).\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Fonua said there was extra cable aboard the Reliance that was owned by other companies, and Tonga Cable was hoping to secure agreements with those companies to use it.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A U.N. team has provided small satellites and other telecommunications support to boost connectivity and communications, said spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, and more equipment was on the way.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/spacex-falcon-9-rocket-launches-classified-us-intelligence-satellite-watch\\\">SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 'classified' US intelligence satellite: Watch</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Dujarric said that UNICEF had sent 15,000 rapid test kits and that the World Health Organization was sending 5,000 PCR tests to help with the outbreak.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The outbreak started after two Tongan dockworkers tested positive for the virus last week. Despite efforts to stop the virus from spreading, the number of cases has been growing and Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni said Wednesday that infections more than doubled overnight, with 19 new cases.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"That brings the total to 35 cases overall in the nation of 105,000 — 34 in the current outbreak and one from last October, when a missionary tested positive after returning from Africa via New Zealand.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Health Minister Saia Piukala said several of the new cases reported Tuesday included people who went out to drink kava, a popular intoxicating drink made from the root of a local plant, with a friend who was infected.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“It is prohibited for kava clubs to operate at this time,” Piukala reminded Tongans, according to the Matangi Tonga online news portal.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/elon-musk-offers-to-endorse-mcdonalds-if-it-accepts-dogecoin-cryptocurrency\\\">Elon Musk offers to endorse McDonald's if it accepts Dogecoin cryptocurrency</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With communications restricted due to the severed undersea cable, Sovaleni addressed Tongans on Wednesday over the radio to update them on the outbreak.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tonga had been doing well with its vaccinations before the current outbreak, but now that the virus has reached the country, thousands have been turning out for shots, according to the Health Ministry.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"On Monday, 2,185 people received booster shots, 140 people got their first doses and 281 received second doses, Matangi Tonga reported.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Overall, 97% of the eligible population, aged 12 and up, have received at least one dose and 88% have received a second. At least 67% of Tonga's total population is now fully vaccinated, according to the Health Ministry.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>The tsunami severed the sole fiber-optic cable that connects Tonga to the rest of the world</li>
 <li>Musk’s SpaceX company was in Fiji establishing a station that would help reconnect Tonga through SpaceX satellites</li>
 <li>SpaceX runs a network of nearly 2,000 low-orbit satellites called Starlink, which provides internet service to remote places</li>
</ul>

Elon Musk helping restore Tongan internet as COVID-19 outbreak grows

ElonMusk

For more than two years, the isolation of the Pacific archipelago nation of Tonga helped keep COVID-19 at bay. But last month's volcanic eruption and tsunami brought outside deliveries of desperately needed fresh water and medicine — and brought the virus. Tonga is only one of several Pacific island countries to experience their first outbreaks over the past month. There is growing concern that their precarious health care systems might quickly become overburdened, and that the remoteness that once protected them may now make them difficult to help. Also Read | Explained: How did Tonga manage 'contactless' delivery of international aid?,Clearly when you've got countries that have already got a very stretched, and fragile health system, when you have an emergency or a disaster and then you have the potential introduction of the virus, that's going to make an already serious situation immeasurably worse, said John Fleming, the Asia-Pacific head of health for the Red Cross. Also Read | Tonga volcano was 'hundreds of times' more powerful than Hiroshima bomb: NASA,Tonga was coated with ash following the Jan. 15 eruption of the massive undersea Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano, then hit with a tsunami that followed. Only three people have been confirmed killed, but several small settlements in outlying islands were wiped off the map and the volcanic ash tainted much of the drinking water. The nation of 105,000 had reported only one case of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic — a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary returning to the island from Africa via New Zealand who tested positive in October — and authorities debated whether to let international aid in. Also Read | 4 Japanese planes fly over Tonga with aid after volcanic blast,They decided they had to, but despite strict precautions unloading ships and planes from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Britain and China, two Tongan men who worked at the capital's Queen Salote Wharf handling shipments tested positive on Tuesday. The two were moved into isolation, but in tests of 36 possible contacts, one's wife and two children also tested positive, while the others tested negative, the local Matangi Tonga news site reported. “The highest priority now is the close contacts of these positive cases and whom they interacted with since Jan. 29, Health Minister Saia Piukala was quoted as saying. It was not clear how many people they might have come into contact with, but the government released a list of locations where the virus might have spread, including a church on two days, several shops, a bank on two days and a kindergarten during school hours. Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni told reporters “some of the five infected had started to show symptoms and were being quarantined at a medical facility. He imposed an open-ended lockdown starting 6 p.m. on Wednesday; one that could be particular arduous for Tongans because most have been without any internet connections since the volcanic eruption severed the only fiber optic cable to the country. Also Read | Tonga receives water and telecommunications help from Australia,It is not yet known what variant of the virus has reached Tonga, nor who brought it in. Sailors aboard the Australian aid ship HMAS Adelaide reported nearly two dozen infections after an outbreak on board, but authorities said it had been unloaded at a different wharf. Crew members aboard aid flights from Japan and Australia also reported infections. Experience from elsewhere in the pandemic, especially with prevalence now of the rapid-spreading omicron variant, suggests that Tonga faces an uphill battle in trying to contain the outbreak, Indonesian epidemiologist Dicky Budiman told The Associated Press. Some 61% of Tongans are fully vaccinated, according to Our World in Data, but because the country has not yet seen any infections, there will be no natural immunity and it is not clear whether the shots were given long enough ago that they may now be less effective, Budiman said. The global experience has been that when the virus hits such countries, the number of hospitalizations is very high, he said, recommending that the government immediately start offering booster shots and open vaccinations to younger children. “If we race with this virus we will not win,” he said in an interview from Australia. “So we have to move forward by protecting the most vulnerable.”,This is already starting to be seen in the Solomon Islands, which reported its first community outbreak on Jan. 19. With only 11% of its population fully vaccinated, the virus has been spreading rapidly with the Red Cross reporting that less than two weeks later, there are now more than 780 recorded cases and five COVID-19 related deaths. Also Read | Elon Musk offers Starlink internet to volcano-hit Tonga,Elsewhere, Fiji — still reeling from damage caused by Cyclone Cody in early January — has been battling an ongoing spike in cases, fueled by omicron, and cases have been reported for the first time in Kiribati, Samoa and Palau. Palau has nearly its entire population fully vaccinated, while Fiji has 68% and Samoa 62%, but Kiribati is only at 33%. The key to ensuring hospitals aren't overwhelmed is to make sure more people get shots, Budiman said. “These countries that choose to have this COVID-free strategy, they are very vulnerable,” he said.

{\"time\":1643953643403,\"strCount\":6109,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"For more than two years, the isolation of the Pacific archipelago nation of Tonga helped keep COVID-19 at bay.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"But last month's volcanic eruption and tsunami brought outside deliveries of desperately needed fresh water and medicine — and brought the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/australian-navy-risks-infecting-tonga-as-covid-19-positive-crew-provides-aid\\\">virus</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tonga is only one of several Pacific island countries to experience their first outbreaks over the past month. There is growing concern that their precarious health care systems might quickly become overburdened, and that the remoteness that once protected them may now make them difficult to help.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/how-did-tonga-manage-contactless-delivery-of-international-aid\\\">Explained: How did Tonga manage 'contactless' delivery of international aid?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Clearly when you've got countries that have already got a very stretched, and fragile health system, when you have an emergency or a disaster and then you have the potential introduction of the virus, that's going to make an already serious situation immeasurably worse,\\\" said John Fleming, the Asia-Pacific head of health for the Red Cross.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/tonga-volcano-was-hundreds-of-times-more-powerful-than-hiroshima-bomb-nasa\\\">Tonga volcano was 'hundreds of times' more powerful than Hiroshima bomb: NASA</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tonga was coated with ash following the Jan. 15&nbsp;eruption of the massive undersea Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano, then hit with a tsunami that followed.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Only three people have been confirmed killed, but&nbsp;several small settlements in outlying islands&nbsp;were wiped off the map and the volcanic ash tainted much of the drinking water.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The nation of 105,000 had reported only one case of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic — a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary returning to the island from Africa via New Zealand who tested positive in October — and authorities debated whether to let international aid in.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/4-japanese-planes-fly-over-tonga-with-aid-after-volcanic-blast\\\">4 Japanese planes fly over Tonga with aid after volcanic blast</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"They decided they had to, but despite&nbsp;strict precautions unloading ships and planes&nbsp;from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Britain and China, two Tongan men who worked at the capital's Queen Salote Wharf handling shipments tested positive on Tuesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The two were moved into isolation, but in tests of 36 possible contacts, one's wife and two children also tested positive, while the others tested negative, the local Matangi Tonga news site reported.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“The highest priority now is the close contacts of these positive cases and whom they interacted with\\\" since Jan. 29, Health Minister Saia Piukala was quoted as saying.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It was not clear how many people they might have come into contact with, but the government released a list of locations where the virus might have spread, including a church on two days, several shops, a bank on two days and a kindergarten during school hours.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni told reporters “some\\\" of the five infected had started to show symptoms and were being quarantined at a medical facility. He imposed an open-ended lockdown starting 6 p.m. on Wednesday; one that could be particular arduous for Tongans because most have been without any internet connections since the volcanic eruption severed the only fiber optic cable to the country.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/tonga-receives-water-and-telecommunications-help-from-australia\\\">Tonga receives water and telecommunications help from Australia</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It is not yet known what variant of the virus has reached Tonga, nor who brought it in.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Sailors aboard the Australian aid ship HMAS Adelaide reported nearly two dozen infections after an outbreak on board, but authorities said it had been unloaded at a different wharf. Crew members aboard aid flights from Japan and Australia also reported infections.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Experience from elsewhere in the pandemic, especially with prevalence now of the rapid-spreading omicron variant, suggests that Tonga faces an uphill battle in trying to contain the outbreak, Indonesian epidemiologist Dicky Budiman told The Associated Press.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Some 61% of Tongans are fully vaccinated, according to Our World in Data, but because the country has not yet seen any infections, there will be no natural immunity and it is not clear whether the shots were given long enough ago that they may now be less effective, Budiman said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The global experience has been that when the virus hits such countries, the number of hospitalizations is very high, he said, recommending that the government immediately start offering booster shots and open vaccinations to younger children.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“If we race with this virus we will not win,” he said in an interview from Australia. “So we have to move forward by protecting the most vulnerable.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"This is already starting to be seen in the Solomon Islands, which reported its first community outbreak on Jan. 19. With only 11% of its population fully vaccinated, the virus has been spreading rapidly with the Red Cross reporting that less than two weeks later, there are now more than 780 recorded cases and five COVID-19 related deaths.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/elon-musk-offers-starlink-internet-to-volcano-hit-tonga\\\">Elon Musk offers Starlink internet to volcano-hit Tonga</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Elsewhere, Fiji — still reeling from damage caused by Cyclone Cody in early January — has been battling an ongoing spike in cases, fueled by omicron, and cases have been reported for the first time in Kiribati, Samoa and Palau.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Palau has nearly its entire population fully vaccinated, while Fiji has 68% and Samoa 62%, but Kiribati is only at 33%.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The key to ensuring hospitals aren't overwhelmed is to make sure more people get shots, Budiman said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“These countries that choose to have this COVID-free strategy, they are very vulnerable,” he said.\"}}]}

Shuvrajit Das Biswas

<ul>
 <li>Tonga has kept COVID-19 at bay for two years&nbsp;</li>
 <li>The volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami led to Tonga requiring world aid</li>
 <li>Along with fresh water and medicine, Tonga saw the coronavirus arrive</li>
</ul>

Disaster-hit Tonga faces first COVID outbreak after world rushes to offer aid

worldnews

Aman Butani

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Tonga became one of the first countries to receive contactless international aid from other nations after it was devastated by an underwater volcanic eruption last week. Naval ships from Australia and Britain delivered the aid on Wednesday. Why was contactless aid necessary?,Tonga is one of the very few countries across the globe that has managed to avoid a COVID-19 breakout since the pandemic began nearly two years ago. The small island nation has only recorded one case of the virus so far. About 61% of Tongans are fully vaccinated, according to Our World in Data. The vessel that delivered aid this week is the second Australian mission for Tonga where at least one crew member tested positive for the virus while onboard. A C-17 Globemaster military transport plane was earlier turned around mid-flight after a person aboard was diagnosed with the coronavirus. Also Read: Tonga volcano was 'hundreds of times' more powerful than Hiroshima bomb: NASA,How was contactless aid managed?,Under pandemic measures, Tonga typically requires visitors to quarantine for three weeks on arrival and that complicates the international disaster response. All international aid is to be delivered without any local contact. The first international aid was received from New Zealand earlier this week after a plane arrived at the capital Nuku'alofa. According to reports from NPR citing Admiral Jim Gilmour, New Zealand's Commander of Joint Forces, the supplies would be kept outside the aircraft on the tarmac. The plane is then instructed to travel back on the same day without making contact. HMS Spey, the British vessel that delivered aid to Tonga this week, said that none of the crew members disembarked from the ship and delivered the supplies to Tonga lands by crane. ,The ship was carrying 30,000 liters (7,900 gallons) of bottled water, medical supplies for more than 300 first aid kits, and basic sanitation products.

{\"time\":1643253345034,\"strCount\":2544,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tonga became one of the first countries to receive \\\"contactless\\\" international aid from other nations after it was <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/tonga-volcano-was-hundreds-of-times-more-powerful-than-hiroshima-bomb-nasa\\\">devastated by an underwater volcanic eruption</a> last week. Naval ships from Australia and Britain delivered the aid on Wednesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Why was \\\"contactless aid\\\" necessary?\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tonga is one of the very few countries across the globe that has managed to avoid a COVID-19 breakout since the pandemic began nearly two years ago. The small island nation has only recorded one case of the virus so far. About 61% of Tongans are fully vaccinated, according to&nbsp;Our World in Data.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The vessel that delivered aid this week is the second Australian mission for Tonga where at least <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/australian-navy-risks-infecting-tonga-as-covid-19-positive-crew-provides-aid\\\">one crew member tested positive</a> for the virus while onboard.&nbsp;A C-17 Globemaster military transport plane was earlier turned around mid-flight after a person aboard was diagnosed with the coronavirus.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/tonga-volcano-was-hundreds-of-times-more-powerful-than-hiroshima-bomb-nasa\\\">Tonga volcano was 'hundreds of times' more powerful than Hiroshima bomb: NASA</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"How was \\\"contactless aid\\\" managed?\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Under pandemic measures, Tonga typically requires visitors to quarantine for three weeks on arrival and that complicates the international disaster response. All<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/4-japanese-planes-fly-over-tonga-with-aid-after-volcanic-blast\\\"> international aid</a> is to be delivered without any local contact.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/tonga-receives-water-and-telecommunications-help-from-australia'\\\"> first international aid</a> was received from New Zealand earlier this week after a plane arrived at the capital&nbsp;Nuku'alofa. According to reports from NPR citing&nbsp;Admiral Jim Gilmour, New Zealand's&nbsp;Commander of Joint Forces, the supplies would be kept outside the aircraft on the tarmac. The plane is then instructed to travel back on the same day without making contact.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"HMS Spey, the British vessel that delivered aid to Tonga this week, said that none of the crew members disembarked from the ship and delivered the supplies to Tonga lands by crane.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The ship was carrying&nbsp;30,000 liters (7,900 gallons) of bottled water, medical supplies for more than 300 first aid kits, and basic sanitation products.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Australia and Britain delivered aid on Wednesday</li>
 <li>New Zealand was the first country to deliver aid without contact</li>
 <li>Tonga has managed to avoid any COVID-19 outbreak so far</li>
</ul>

Explained: How did Tonga manage 'contactless' delivery of international aid?

International

UnitedKingdom

Navy

Canberra ACT, Australia

The Australian navy's largest ship docked at disaster-stricken Tonga on Wednesday and was allowed to unload humanitarian supplies in the South Pacific nation despite crew members being infected with COVID-19, officials said. Nearly two dozen sailors aboard the HMAS Adelaide were reported infected on Tuesday, raising fears the mercy mission could bring the coronavirus to the small archipelago devasted by an undersea volcanic eruption and a tsunami on Jan. 15. Also Read | Scientists: Water seen in Mars in 2018 might have been an optical illusion,Since the pandemic began, Tonga has reported just a single case of COVID-19 and has avoided any outbreaks. It’s one of the few countries in the world currently completely virus free. About 61% of Tongans are fully vaccinated, according to Our World in Data. The 27,500 metric ton (30,300 U.S. ton) ship had completed the 3,300-kilometer (2,050-mile) voyage from Brisbane and would deliver supplies without contact with the local population to avoid infections, the Australian government said in a statement. Also Read | Tonga volcano was 'hundreds of times' more powerful than Hiroshima bomb: NASA,“We appreciate the decision of the government of Tonga to enable HMAS Adelaide to dock and offload the humanitarian and medical supplies, and the high priority it has placed on COVID safety throughout the recovery process,” the statement said. “The ship is undertaking an entirely contactless delivery of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies.”,Also Read | 4 Japanese planes fly over Tonga with aid after volcanic blast,With restoration of the drinking water supply a major priority, the ship brings a desalination plant. It's also carrying helicopters and engineering equipment. Australia said it was widening its disaster support to include restoration of power and communications. Also Read | With only three COVID-19 cases, remote Pacific islands impose lockdown for the first time in years,Tonga usually requires visitors to quarantine for three weeks on arrival and the tough pandemic measures complicate the international disaster response. All international aid is to be delivered without local contact. Also Read | Tonga receives water and telecommunications help from Australia,Tongan authorities have been wary that accepting international aid could usher in a bigger disaster than the huge eruption of the volcano. The tsunami has claimed three lives. The ship is the second aid mission from Australia in which at least one crew member tested positive. A C-17 Globemaster military transport plane was earlier turned around midflight after a person aboard was diagnosed with the coronavirus.

{\"time\":1643250783316,\"strCount\":3410,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Australian navy's largest ship docked at <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/elon-musk-offers-starlink-internet-to-volcano-hit-tonga\\\">disaster-stricken</a> Tonga on Wednesday and was allowed to unload humanitarian supplies in the South Pacific nation despite crew members being infected with COVID-19, officials said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Nearly two dozen sailors aboard the HMAS Adelaide were reported infected on Tuesday, raising fears the mercy mission could bring the coronavirus to the small archipelago devasted by&nbsp;an undersea volcanic eruption and a tsunami&nbsp;on Jan. 15.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/scientists-water-seen-in-mars-in-2018-might-have-been-an-optical-illusion\\\">Scientists: Water seen in Mars in 2018 might have been an optical illusion</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Since the pandemic began, Tonga has reported just a single case of COVID-19 and has avoided any outbreaks. It’s one of the few countries in the world currently completely virus free. About 61% of Tongans are fully vaccinated, according to&nbsp;Our World in Data.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 27,500 metric ton (30,300 U.S. ton) ship had completed the 3,300-kilometer (2,050-mile) voyage from Brisbane and would deliver supplies without contact with the local population to avoid infections, the Australian government said in a statement.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/tonga-volcano-was-hundreds-of-times-more-powerful-than-hiroshima-bomb-nasa\\\">Tonga volcano was 'hundreds of times' more powerful than Hiroshima bomb: NASA</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“We appreciate the decision of the government of Tonga to enable HMAS Adelaide to dock and offload the humanitarian and medical supplies, and the high priority it has placed on COVID safety throughout the recovery process,” the statement said. “The ship is undertaking an entirely contactless delivery of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/4-japanese-planes-fly-over-tonga-with-aid-after-volcanic-blast\\\">4 Japanese planes fly over Tonga with aid after volcanic blast</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With restoration of the drinking water supply a major priority, the ship brings a desalination plant. It's also carrying helicopters and engineering equipment.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Australia said it was widening its disaster support to include restoration of power and communications.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/with-only-three-covid-19-cases-remote-pacific-islands-impose-lockdown-for-the-first-time-in-years\\\">With only three COVID-19 cases, remote Pacific islands impose lockdown for the first time in years</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tonga usually requires visitors to quarantine for three weeks on arrival and the tough pandemic measures complicate the international disaster response. All international aid is to be delivered without local contact.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/tonga-receives-water-and-telecommunications-help-from-australia\\\">Tonga receives water and telecommunications help from Australia</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tongan authorities have been wary that accepting international aid could usher in a bigger disaster than the huge eruption of the volcano. The tsunami has claimed three lives.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The ship is the second aid mission from Australia in which at least one crew member tested positive. A C-17 Globemaster military transport plane was earlier turned around midflight after a person aboard was diagnosed with the coronavirus.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>The Australian navy's largest ship docked at disaster-stricken Tonga on Wednesday</li>
 <li>It unloaded humanitarian supplies despite crew members being infected with COVID-19</li>
 <li>Since the pandemic began, Tonga has reported just a single case of COVID-19 and has avoided any outbreaks</li>
</ul>

Australian navy risks infecting Tonga, as COVID-19 positive crew provides aid

Disaster

Tonga, a small island country near New Zealand, experienced the devastating aftermath of an underwater volcanic explosion. The recent natural disaster was hundreds of times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Japan's Hiroshima, a senior NASA official said. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center's chief scientist Jim Garvin told CNN that the eruption released hundreds of times the equivalent mechanical energy of the Hiroshima nuclear explosion. The Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano erupted on January 15, 2022. Also Read: Elon Musk offers Starlink internet to volcano-hit Tonga,While citing the preliminary estimates, Garvin said that the amount of energy from the volcanic eruption was equal to an explosion caused by 4-18 megatons of TNT, CNN reported. Volcanic material erupted on January 14 went as high as 40 kilometers into the atmosphere and triggered severe tsunami waves that were roughly 49 feet high. Tonga's Prime Minister said in a statement that the cloud spewed from the volcano can cover all of the 170 islands of the country, impacting over 100,000 residents. Three of Tonga’s smaller islands suffered serious damage from tsunami waves. The majority of Tongans live on the main island of Tongatapu, where about 50 homes were destroyed and coastlines strewn with debris. Also See: In Pics: Tongans finally receive help, after volcano cuts off island nation,United Nations' humanitarian officials reported that about 84,000 people — 80% of Tonga’s population — have been impacted by the eruption. On Saturday, the Japanese government said a Self-Defense Forces C-130 aircraft arrived in Tonga with three tons of drinking water. That followed a Japanese military flight on Friday. Another plane is scheduled to depart Sunday, carrying equipment for the ash cleanup, the Defense Ministry said, according to reports from Associated Press. Clean water was a priority because supplies have been disrupted by layers of volcanic ash and saltwater. Red Cross teams on the ground reported widespread stagnant pools of saltwater that were dumped by the tsunami, polluting the clean drinking water sources of tens of thousands of people.

{\"time\":1643250746148,\"strCount\":2748,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/search/tonga\\\">Tonga</a>, a small island country near New Zealand, experienced the devastating aftermath of an underwater <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/4-japanese-planes-fly-over-tonga-with-aid-after-volcanic-blast\\\">volcanic explosion</a>. The recent natural disaster was \\\"hundreds of times\\\" more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Japan's Hiroshima, a senior NASA official said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center's chief scientist Jim Garvin told CNN that the eruption released \\\"\\n\\nhundreds of times the equivalent mechanical energy of the&nbsp;Hiroshima nuclear explosion.\\\" The&nbsp;Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano erupted on January 15, 2022.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/elon-musk-offers-starlink-internet-to-volcano-hit-tonga\\\">Elon Musk offers Starlink internet to volcano-hit Tonga</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"While citing the preliminary estimates, Garvin said that the amount of energy from the volcanic eruption was equal to an explosion caused by 4-18 megatons of TNT, CNN reported.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Volcanic material erupted on January 14 went as high as 40 kilometers into the atmosphere and triggered severe tsunami waves that were roughly 49 feet high.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tonga's Prime Minister said in a statement that the cloud spewed from the volcano can cover all of the 170 islands of the country, impacting over 100,000 residents.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Three of Tonga’s smaller islands suffered serious damage from tsunami waves. The majority of Tongans live on the main island of Tongatapu, where about 50 homes were destroyed and coastlines strewn with debris.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also See:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/in-pics-tongans-finally-receive-help-after-volcano-cuts-off-island-nation\\\">In Pics: Tongans finally receive help, after volcano cuts off island nation</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"United Nations' humanitarian officials reported that about 84,000 people — 80% of Tonga’s population — have been impacted by the eruption.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"On Saturday, the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/4-japanese-planes-fly-over-tonga-with-aid-after-volcanic-blast\\\">Japanese government</a> said a Self-Defense Forces C-130 aircraft arrived in Tonga with three tons of drinking water. That followed a Japanese military flight on Friday. Another plane is scheduled to depart Sunday, carrying <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/tonga-receives-water-and-telecommunications-help-from-australia\\\">equipment for the ash cleanup</a>, the Defense Ministry said, according to reports from Associated Press.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Clean water was a priority because supplies have been disrupted by layers of volcanic ash and saltwater. Red Cross teams on the ground reported widespread stagnant pools of saltwater that were dumped by the tsunami, polluting the clean drinking water sources of tens of thousands of people.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>The&nbsp;Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano erupted on January 15</li>
 <li>Tsunamis triggered by the eruption were as high as 49 feet</li>
 <li>Nearly 80% of the Tonga population has been impacted by the eruption</li>
</ul>

Tonga volcano was 'hundreds of times' more powerful than Hiroshima bomb: NASA

NaturalDisaster

Four Japanese aircraft left Australia on Monday to deliver more vital aid to Tonga as the Pacific nation deals with the aftermath of a volcanic eruption and tsunami. Also Read: Tonga receives water and telecommunications help from Australia,The two Japanese Lockheed C-130 Hercules and two Kawasaki C-2 left the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Amberley in Queensland state to make the 3,300-kilometer (2,050-mile) journey east to the islands that were devastated by the January 15 twin disasters, the Australian Defence Department said in a statement. “Australia proudly joins Japan and other Pacific Island countries working alongside the people of Tonga,” the statement said. Also Read: With only three COVID-19 cases, remote Pacific islands impose lockdown for the first time in years,Aid flights from Australia, Japan and New Zealand also carried food, water, medical supplies and telecommunications equipment to Tonga over the weekend. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Beijing was providing an additional $3.1 million in assistance to Tonga. The Chinese Embassy in Fiji has already sent drinking water, food, generators, water pumps, and other goods to help in the relief effort, Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing. Also Read: In Pics: Tongans finally receive help, after volcano cuts off island nation,Because of the COVID-19 risk to a nation that has not had a local outbreak, aid flights are landing, offloading supplies, then leaving without contact with locals on the ground. The goods are left for 72 hours to reduce the infection risk before they are unpacked. The main airport runway has been cleared of ash spewed when the nearby Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted. The explosion set off a Pacific-wide tsunami that smashed boats in New Zealand and caused an oil spill in Peru. Also Read: First aid flights leave for Tonga after big volcano eruption,Tonga receives support from international community ,Cleanup efforts were going smoothly, with the Tongan government and military officials working together, Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Zed Seselja said on Sunday. Ships from the US and Britain were on their way. HMAS Adelaide, an Australian navy ship with helicopters on board as well as engineers and a 40-bed hospital, is expected to reach Tonga by Friday. The ship can generate electricity and purify water. Also Read: 3 of Tonga's smaller islands badly damaged by tsunami,A lack of clean water was a priority because local supplies have been damaged by layers of volcanic ash and salt water. Red Cross teams on the ground reported widespread stagnant pools of salt water that were dumped by the tsunami, polluting the clean drinking water sources of tens of thousands of people, said Katie Greenwood, the Pacific head for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. On Saturday, the Japanese government said a Self-Defense Forces C-130 aircraft arrived in Tonga with three tons of drinking water. That followed another Japanese flight on Friday. Also Read: Tonga says volcanic eruption killed three; outer islands completely devastated,Three people died due to the disaster ,The death toll has been limited, with only three deaths confirmed in Tonga so far. Three of Tonga’s smaller islands suffered serious damage from tsunami waves. The majority of Tongans live on the main island of Tongatapu, where about 50 homes were destroyed and coastlines strewn with debris. Also Read: Tonga volcanic eruption & tsunami: What we know so far,U.N. humanitarian officials reported that about 84,000 people — 80% of Tonga’s population — have been impacted by the eruption. The tsunami severed the single fiber-optic cable that connects Tonga to the rest of the world, leaving many unable to connect with loved ones abroad. Since then, satellite communications have improved and Tonga’s telecoms operator, Digicel, said it had been able to restore international call services to some areas.

{\"time\":1643250801309,\"strCount\":4907,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Four\\nJapanese aircraft left <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/australia\\\">Australia</a> on Monday to deliver more vital aid to Tonga\\nas the Pacific nation deals with the aftermath of a volcanic eruption and\\n<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/tsunami\\\">tsunami</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/tonga-receives-water-and-telecommunications-help-from-australia\\\">Tonga receives water and telecommunications help from Australia</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The\\ntwo Japanese Lockheed C-130 Hercules and two Kawasaki C-2 left the Royal\\nAustralian Air Force Base at Amberley in Queensland state to make the\\n3,300-kilometer (2,050-mile) journey east to the islands that were devastated\\nby the January 15 twin disasters, the Australian Defence Department said in a\\nstatement.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Australia\\nproudly joins Japan and other Pacific Island countries working alongside the\\npeople of Tonga,” the statement said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/with-only-three-covid-19-cases-remote-pacific-islands-impose-lockdown-for-the-first-time-in-years\\\">With only three COVID-19 cases, remote Pacific islands impose lockdown for the first time in years</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Aid\\nflights from Australia, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/japan\\\">Japan</a> and New Zealand also carried food, water, medical\\nsupplies and telecommunications equipment to Tonga over the weekend.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Chinese\\nForeign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Beijing was providing an additional\\n$3.1 million in assistance to Tonga. The Chinese Embassy in Fiji has already\\nsent drinking water, food, generators, water pumps, and other goods to help in\\nthe relief effort, Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/in-pics-tongans-finally-receive-help-after-volcano-cuts-off-island-nation\\\">In Pics: Tongans finally receive help, after volcano cuts off island nation</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Because\\nof the COVID-19 risk to a nation that has not had a local outbreak, aid flights\\nare landing, offloading supplies, then leaving without contact with locals on\\nthe ground. The goods are left for 72 hours to reduce the infection risk before\\nthey are unpacked.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The\\nmain airport runway has been cleared of ash spewed when the nearby Hunga Tonga\\nHunga Ha’apai volcano erupted. The explosion set off a Pacific-wide tsunami\\nthat smashed boats in New Zealand and caused an oil spill in Peru.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/first-aid-flights-leave-for-tonga-after-big-volcano-eruption\\\">First aid flights leave for Tonga after big volcano eruption</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tonga receives support from\\ninternational community \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Cleanup\\nefforts were going smoothly, with the Tongan government and military officials\\nworking together, Australian Minister for International Development and the\\nPacific Zed Seselja said on Sunday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Ships\\nfrom the US and Britain were on their way. HMAS Adelaide, an Australian navy\\nship with helicopters on board as well as engineers and a 40-bed hospital, is\\nexpected to reach Tonga by Friday. The\\nship can generate electricity and purify water.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/3-of-tongas-smaller-islands-badly-damaged-by-tsunami\\\">3 of Tonga's smaller islands badly damaged by tsunami</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A\\nlack of clean water was a priority because local supplies have been damaged by\\nlayers of volcanic ash and salt water. Red Cross teams on the ground reported\\nwidespread stagnant pools of salt water that were dumped by the tsunami,\\npolluting the clean drinking water sources of tens of thousands of people, said\\nKatie Greenwood, the Pacific head for the International Federation of Red Cross\\nand Red Crescent Societies.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"On\\nSaturday, the Japanese government said a Self-Defense Forces C-130\\naircraft arrived in Tonga with three tons of drinking water. That followed\\nanother Japanese flight on Friday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/tonga-says-volcanic-eruption-killed-three-outer-islands-completely-devastated\\\">Tonga says volcanic eruption killed three; outer islands completely devastated</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Three people died due to the\\ndisaster \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The\\ndeath toll has been limited, with only three deaths confirmed in Tonga so far.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Three\\nof Tonga’s smaller islands suffered serious damage from tsunami waves. The\\nmajority of Tongans live on the main island of Tongatapu, where about 50 homes\\nwere destroyed and coastlines strewn with debris.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/tonga-volcanic-eruption-tsunami-what-we-know-so-far\\\">Tonga volcanic eruption &amp; tsunami: What we know so far</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"U.N.\\nhumanitarian officials reported that about 84,000 people — 80% of Tonga’s\\npopulation — have been impacted by the eruption.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The\\ntsunami severed the single fiber-optic cable that connects Tonga to the rest of\\nthe world, leaving many unable to connect with loved ones abroad. Since then,\\nsatellite communications have improved and Tonga’s telecoms operator, Digicel,\\nsaid it had been able to restore international call services to some areas. \"}}]}

Sudipta Biswas

<ul>
 <li>Two Japanese Lockheed C-130 Hercules and two Kawasaki C-2 flew over Tonga</li>
 <li>Tonga was devastated by volcanic eruption and tsunami</li>
 <li>Australia and Japan are working together to help people of Tonga</li>
</ul>

4 Japanese planes fly over Tonga with aid after volcanic blast

PacificOcean

Three flights from Australia carrying food, water, medical supplies and telecommunications equipment landed in Tonga on Saturday, as the Pacific nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of an underwater volcanic eruption and tsunami. Planes from other nations, including New Zealand and Japan, have also brought sorely needed aid to the Tongan people, said Zed Seselja, Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific. Also Read | Elon Musk offers Starlink internet to volcano-hit Tonga,The first such aid arrived Thursday, after the main airport runway was cleared of ash spewed when the volcano erupted a week ago. The eruption also set off a Pacific-wide tsunami that smashed boats in New Zealand and caused an oil spill in Peru. “Obviously it’s a very, very difficult time for the people of Tonga. The feedback on the ground again I got today is many people displaced,” Seselja told reporters in Canberra. Also Read | First aid flights leave for Tonga after big volcano eruption,Cleanup efforts were going smoothly, with the Tongan government and military officials working together, Seselja said. Ships from the U.S. and Great Britain were on their way, he said. Also deployed was the HMAS Adelaide, an Australian Navy ship, which has helicopters on board, as well as engineers and a 40-bed hospital. The ship can generate electricity and purify water. Also Read | In Pics | Aftermath of the Tonga volcanic eruption,Also Saturday, the Japanese government said a Self-Defense Forces C-130 aircraft arrived in Tonga with 3 tons of drinking water. That followed a Japanese military flight that arrived Friday. Another plane is scheduled to depart Sunday, carrying equipment for the volcanic ash cleanup, the Defense Ministry said. Seselja said one bit of good news was that casualties have been relatively limited, with three deaths confirmed so far. Three of Tonga’s smaller islands suffered serious damage from tsunami waves. The majority of Tongans live on the main island of Tongatapu, where about 50 homes were destroyed.

{\"time\":1643250765926,\"strCount\":2639,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Three flights from Australia carrying food, water, medical supplies and telecommunications equipment landed in Tonga on Saturday, as the Pacific nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of an underwater volcanic eruption and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/3-of-tongas-smaller-islands-badly-damaged-by-tsunami\\\">tsunami</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Planes from other nations, including New Zealand and Japan, have also brought sorely needed aid to the Tongan people, said Zed Seselja, Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/elon-musk-offers-starlink-internet-to-volcano-hit-tonga\\\">Elon Musk offers Starlink internet to volcano-hit Tonga</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/in-pics-tongans-finally-receive-help-after-volcano-cuts-off-island-nation\\\">first such aid</a> arrived Thursday, after the main airport runway was cleared of ash spewed when the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/volcanic-ash-delays-aid-to-tonga-as-damage-reports-emerge\\\">volcano</a> erupted a week ago. The eruption also set off a Pacific-wide tsunami that smashed boats in New Zealand and caused an oil spill in Peru.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Obviously it’s a very, very difficult time for the people of Tonga. The feedback on the ground again I got today is many people displaced,” Seselja told reporters in Canberra.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/first-aid-flights-leave-for-tonga-after-big-volcano-eruption\\\">First aid flights leave for Tonga after big volcano eruption</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Cleanup efforts were going smoothly, with the Tongan government and military officials working together, Seselja said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Ships from the U.S. and Great Britain were on their way, he said. Also deployed was the HMAS Adelaide, an Australian Navy ship, which has helicopters on board, as well as engineers and a 40-bed hospital. The ship can generate electricity and purify water.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/in-pics-aftermath-of-the-tonga-volcanic-eruption\\\">In Pics | Aftermath of the Tonga volcanic eruption</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Saturday, the Japanese government said a Self-Defense Forces C-130 aircraft arrived in Tonga with 3 tons of drinking water. That followed a Japanese military flight that arrived Friday. Another plane is scheduled to depart Sunday, carrying equipment for the volcanic ash cleanup, the Defense Ministry said.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Seselja said one bit of good news was that casualties have been relatively limited, with three deaths confirmed so far.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Three of Tonga’s smaller islands suffered serious damage from tsunami waves. The majority of Tongans live on the main island of Tongatapu, where about 50 homes were destroyed.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Three flights from Australia &nbsp;landed in Tonga on Saturday</li>
 <li>They carried carrying food, water, medical supplies and telecommunications equipment</li>
 <li>Tonga continues to deal with the aftermath of the undersea volcanic eruption and tsunami</li>
</ul>

Tonga receives water and telecommunications help from Australia

Saakhi Chadha

A violent eruption of an underwater volcano near the Kingdom of Tonga jolted the Pacific island nation and the surrounding regions on Saturday, January 15. The powerful eruption in Hunga Tonga-Hunga, which also triggered a tsunami, was likely the biggest recorded in the world in over 30 years, according to a CNN report. ,Footages that surfaced on social media showed water washing through a church and several homes, and witnesses said ash was falling over the capital, Nuku'alofa. Also Read: Tsunami hits Japan's Pacific coast after underwater volcano erupts in Tonga,Here is what we know so far. ,The Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano has erupted repeatedly in the past, at a noticeable scale in 2009 and 2014/15. But the latest eruption was the most powerful, as a huge plume of dust and steam spread up to 20 kilometres into the atmosphere and tsunami waves crashed across the Pacific. ,The tsunami hit the largest island in Tonga, Tongatapu, with waves recorded at 1.2 meters, flooding coastal roads and properties. ,Warnings were issued across the Pacific Island to Fiji, Somoa, and Vanuata, among other nations. Similar warnings and advisories were given in New Zealand, Japan, Peru, the United States, and British Columbia in Canada. ,Also Read: Volcano eruption in Tonga sends tsunami warnings across Pacific,The waves hit the US West Coast, California, Alaska, Hawaii, and Japan's Iwate. ,The US Geological Survey estimated the spectacular eruption caused the equivalent of a magnitude 5.8 earthquake. Also Read | Weather disasters cost $170 billion worth damages in 2021, $20 bn more than 2020,Climate experts have said that the eruption might have altered atmospheric pressure which helped clear the fog out in Seattle, US, according to Hindustan Times. ,The waves crossed the Pacific, drowning two people in Peru and causing minor damage from New Zealand to Santa Cruz, California. Also Read: Tonga volcanic eruption sparks tsunami; warnings issued for US West Coast,No confirmation about mass casualties has been received so far, as communication is yet to be reestablished with parts Tonga. ,Tonga needs immediate assistance to provide its citizens with fresh drinking water and food, the country's Speaker of the House Lord Fakafanua said on social media. He said many areas had been affected by substantial volcanic ashfall but the full extent of the harm to lives and property is currently unknown, reported CNN. Also Read | 17 years since the deadly 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, a look back,Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Zed Seselja, said there was significant property damage in Tonga, including to roads and houses. He said there is still very limited, if any information coming from the outer islands. From what little updates we have, the scale of the devastation could be immense, especially for outer lying islands, Katie Greenwood, IFRC's Pacific Head of Delegation said, according to Reuters. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said there had not yet been any official reports of injuries or deaths in Tonga, but cautioned that authorities hadn't yet made contact with some coastal areas and smaller islands. She added that New Zealand had been unable to send a military surveillance flight over Tonga on Sunday because the ash cloud was 63,000 feet (19,000 meters) high. “Communication with Tonga remains very limited. And I know that is causing a huge amount of anxiety for the Tongan community here,” Ardern said, reported Associated Press. (With agency inputs)

{\"time\":1644402752085,\"strCount\":4317,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A violent eruption of an underwater <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/volcano\\\">volcano </a>near the Kingdom of Tonga jolted the Pacific island nation and the surrounding regions on Saturday, January 15.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The powerful eruption in Hunga Tonga-Hunga, which also triggered a <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/tsunami\\\">tsunami</a>, was likely the biggest recorded in the world in over 30 years, according to a CNN report.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Footages that surfaced on social media showed water washing through a church and several homes, and witnesses said ash was falling over the capital, Nuku'alofa.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/tsunami-hits-japans-pacific-coast-after-underwater-volcano-erupts-in-tonga\\\">Tsunami hits Japan's Pacific coast after underwater volcano erupts in Tonga</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Here is what we know so far.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The&nbsp;Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano has erupted repeatedly in the past, at a noticeable scale in 2009 and 2014/15. But the latest eruption was the most powerful, as a huge plume of dust and steam spread up to 20 kilometres into the atmosphere and tsunami waves crashed across the Pacific.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The tsunami hit the largest island in Tonga, Tongatapu, with waves recorded at 1.2 meters, flooding coastal roads and properties.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Warnings were issued across the Pacific Island to Fiji, Somoa, and Vanuata, among other nations. Similar warnings and advisories were given in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/NewZealand\\\">New Zealand</a>, Japan, Peru, the United States, and British Columbia in Canada.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/volcano-eruption-in-tonga-sends-tsunami-warnings-across-pacific\\\">Volcano eruption in Tonga sends tsunami warnings across Pacific</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The waves hit the US West Coast, California, Alaska, Hawaii, and Japan's Iwate.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The US Geological Survey estimated the spectacular eruption caused the equivalent of a magnitude 5.8 earthquake.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/weather-disasters-cost-170-billion-worth-damages-in-2021-20-bn-more-than-2020\\\">Weather disasters cost $170 billion worth damages in 2021, $20 bn more than 2020</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Climate experts have said that the eruption might have altered atmospheric pressure which helped clear the fog out in Seattle, US, according to Hindustan Times.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The waves crossed the Pacific, drowning two people in Peru and causing minor damage from New Zealand to Santa Cruz, California.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/tonga-volcanic-eruption-sparks-tsunami-warnings-issued-for-us-west-coast\\\">Tonga volcanic eruption sparks tsunami; warnings issued for US West Coast</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"No confirmation about mass casualties has been received so far, as communication is yet to be reestablished with parts Tonga.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tonga \\\"needs immediate assistance to provide its citizens with fresh drinking water and food,\\\" the country's Speaker of the House Lord Fakafanua said on social media. He said \\\"many areas\\\" had been affected by \\\"substantial volcanic ashfall\\\" but \\\"the full extent of the harm to lives and property is currently unknown,\\\" reported CNN.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/17-years-since-the-deadly-2004-indian-ocean-tsunami-a-look-back\\\">17 years since the deadly 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, a look back</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Zed Seselja, said there was \\\"significant property damage\\\" in Tonga, including to roads and houses. He said there is still \\\"very limited, if any\\\" information coming from the outer islands.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"From what little updates we have, the scale of the devastation could be immense, especially for outer lying islands,\\\" Katie Greenwood, IFRC's Pacific Head of Delegation said, according to Reuters.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said there had not yet been any official reports of injuries or deaths in Tonga, but cautioned that authorities hadn't yet made contact with some coastal areas and smaller islands.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"She added that New Zealand had been unable to send a military surveillance flight over Tonga on Sunday because the ash cloud was 63,000 feet (19,000 meters) high.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Communication with Tonga remains very limited. And I know that is causing a huge amount of anxiety for the Tongan community here,” Ardern said, reported Associated Press.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"(With agency inputs)\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>An underwater volcano erupted in Tonga on Saturday, January 15</li>
 <li>The Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano has erupted regularly over the past few decades</li>
 <li>Here is what we know about the latest eruption and tsunami</li>
</ul>

#Tonga