(Prensa Latina) The government of Tonga confirmed today 3 deaths after the volcanic eruption of last Saturday that caused a tsunami in the small Asian archipelago.
In a statement, the authorities confirmed that 2 locals and one British citizen died as a consecuence of “the unparalleled disaster”.
The note added that some of the smaller outluing islands were particularly hard hit, with all the houses destroyed on one of them.
Moreover, relief efforts have been hampered by ash fall of from the underwater volcano.
In this regard, volunteers sweep the runway at Fua´amotu International Airport to allow the airplanes with drinking water and necessary supplies to land.
Communications with the rest of the islands that constitute the archipelago remain disrupted after the eruption cut the only undersea cable that links Tonga to the rest of the world.
In its update, the government said the Internet was down, however, some local telephone services were functioning and work is underway in order to fully restore communications.
After knowing the tragic event, various countries of the region pledged assitance
The Singapore Red Cross earmarked 50, 000 dollars for relief items like food, water and shelter.
It will also launch a public fundraising appeal to assist in disater relief and rescue operations.
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