Red Cross mobilising regional network to respond to one of the worst volcanic eruptions in Tonga
Scale of the devastation could be immense - Greenwood

Red Cross mobilising regional network to respond to one of the worst volcanic eruptions in Tonga

Scale of the devastation could be immense - Greenwood

By Dhanjay Deo
Monday 17/01/2022
[Image: Red Cross]

Red Cross is mobilising its regional network to respond to one of the worst volcanic eruptions the Pacific has experienced in decades.

The Pacific Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross, Katie Greenwood says Tonga has been cut off from the rest of the world after an enormous volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami.

She says all communication lines in the country have been disrupted with no timeframe given on restoration.

Greenwood says from what little updates they have, the scale of the devastation could be immense especially for outer lying islands.

She says they are trying hard to establish contact with their colleagues at the Tonga Red Cross and establish the scale and specific nature of the support they need.

Greenwood says trained Tonga Red Cross teams will be on the ground supporting evacuations in coordination with public authorities, providing first aid if needed, and distributing prepositioned relief supplies.

She adds Red Cross currently has enough relief supplies in the country to support 1,200 households with essential items such as tarpaulins, blankets, kitchen sets, shelter tool kits and hygiene kits.

There are fears that communities may not have access to safe and clean drinking water as a result of saltwater inundation caused by the tsunami waves and ashfall from the volcanic eruption.

Greenwood says shelter is also a concern, particularly for those communities near the coastline and local Red Cross teams are well placed to respond quickly to emergencies like this.

She says with communication channels disrupted, one of the priorities for Tonga Red Cross will be to work with their movement partner, International Committee of the Red Cross to restore family links which will help people from all over the world try and find out if their family and friends in Tonga are safe and well.

FEATURE NEWS
Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, dies aged 88
Pope Francis, the reforming head of the Catholic Church who sought to modernise the pastoral and public priorities of the Vatican, has died at the age...
13 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Pink Love Beauty Salon opens in Labasa, creating 6 jobs
Well-known Suva-based beauty brand Pink Love Beauty Salon has opened its branch in Labasa, aiming to offer top-class services to the Northern ...
2 hours ago

Lautoka Youth Group promotes cleanliness through clean-up campaign around Fiji
The One Nation Our People Youth Foundation is promoting a safer environment through clean-up campaigns as they collected rubbish around Lovu Seaside ...
2 hours ago

47 people in Fiji have hemophilia, a rare blood disorder
There are 47 people in Fiji living with hemophilia, a serious genetic bleeding condition that can lead to life-threatening complications. This was ...
16 hours ago

Families flock to My Suva Park for picnic to send off long Easter weekend
As the Easter weekend comes to an end, many people gathered at My Suva Park today with their families to spend the holiday before another work week ...
16 hours ago

Frances Masaurua overcomes 5-year challenges to graduate with Diploma in Nautical Science
Despite the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, Navatu, Cakaudrove woman Frances Tuinasakea Masaurua did not let that deter her spirits ...
16 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Top Interventional Cardiologist Dr Kapadia on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on health services in the country. The former Marist Brothers Primary and High School student who has been practising medicine ...
15 days ago

Supervisor of Elections on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The interview focus on preparations for the 2026 general elections, voter related issues, electoral laws, the 2022 glitch and the municipal council ...
15 days ago

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
19 days ago

TOP