In Pics: Situation remains grim in Tonga, countries come forward to help

 | Updated: Jan 18, 2022, 11:38 PM IST

The Pacific Ocean island nation of Tonga is still deep in crisis situation caused by volcanic eruption and tsunami. The eruption of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano has damaged the island nation's main undersea communications cable and people, already battered due to the dual calamities are cut offo from the world. Australia, New Zealand and France have moved to assess the damage in order to help Tongan people.

Tonga

A satellite image shows ash covered homes and buildings after the main eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano, in Nuku'alofa, Tonga

(Photograph:AFP)

Nations come forward to help

This handout photo taken and released by the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Defence Force on January 18, 2022 shows a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130J Hercules leaving RAAF Base Richmond to conduct an assessment of damage to critical infrastructure in Tonga.

(Photograph:AFP)

Australia carries out reconnaissance

This handout photo taken and released by the Australian Department of Defence on January 18, 2022 shows an aerial image from a reconnaissance flight taken during a mission by a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft of damage on Uiha Island in Tonga
 

(Photograph:AFP)

New Zealand assesses damage

This handout photo taken on January 17, 2022 and received on January 18 from the New Zealand Defence Force shows crew on a P-3K2 Orion aircraft surveying an area in Tonga

(Photograph:AFP)
;

Effort to establish contact with the world

This satellite image taken and released by Maxar Technologies on January 18, 2022 shows a cleanup underway of volcanic ash on the runway and main terminal at the Fuaʻamotu International Airport in Tonga, three days after a massive eruption destroyed most of the island. The airport was rendered unfit for use by the volcanic ash. Functioning of the airport is vital for the island nation to receive outside help.
 

(Photograph:AFP)