It will take at least a month to repair the undersea communications cable that connects the rest of the world to the Tonga Islands, devastated by an eruption and tsunami.
The New Zealand Foreign Ministry said today.
"US company SubCom says it will take at least four weeks to restore Tonga's connection," the ministry said in an update on the disaster that cut the small Pacific nation off from the rest of the globe.
The few communications that have been made since the archipelago was hit by the natural disaster on Saturday have been possible through some satellite phones, mostly owned by foreign embassies in the capital Nuku'alofa. According to the company, there are two separate breaks in the cable, one located 37km from the coast and the other near the erupted volcano, making repairs difficult. A repair ship is currently en route from neighboring Papua New Guinea.
Mobile operator Digicel has restored some basic 2G home services, but warned that restoring international calls may still take a long time.
At the end of the general audience, the
Pope
said that "My thoughts go to the populations of the islands of Tonga affected in recent days by the eruption of the underwater volcano which caused extensive material damage. I am spiritually close to all the people tried, imploring to God relief in their suffering. I invite everyone to join me in praying for these brothers and sisters. "
