About 84,000 people, more than 80% of the population of the Tonga Islands, have been affected by the eruption of the Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano and the tsunami that followed, the UN said on Wednesday January 19, specifying that Evacuations from particularly affected islands were underway.
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"
All houses have apparently been destroyed on Mango Island and only two houses remain on Fonoifua Island
" while "
significant damage has been reported in Nomuka
", the spokesperson told New York. of the UN, Stéphane Dujarric. "
The evacuation of people on these islands is underway
," he said. In
addition to the three deaths recorded so far, "
injuries have also been reported
," said the spokesman without specifying the number.
Among the most urgent humanitarian needs are drinking water and food, in addition to the restoration of telephone and internet connections, said Stéphane Dujarric.
"
Relief efforts are intensifying, but it is difficult to reach remote areas to assess people's needs and provide assistance
," he also said, citing "
logistical challenges
" and the issue of very strict anti-Covid protocols in the Tonga Islands which could complicate the sending of humanitarian personnel.
The UN has 23 employees on site, including 22 nationals and one person of foreign nationality, all mobilized in the relief of the victims of the eruption of the volcano and the tsunami.