The aid effort to helpvolcano- and tsunami - stricken Tongais running into a covid-19 roadblock .
The HMAS Adelaide , an Australian US Navy ship , was dispatched to Tonga in order toprovide aid and medical equipment post - calamity . However , there are about 20 reassert cases of covid-19 aboard the 600 crew ship — which is the accurate opposite of helpful in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption during an ongoing pandemic .
Unlike most of the domain , Tonga has been able to stay free of covid-19 since the pandemic start in 2020 . The archipelago has hadone reported sheath of covid-19and no computer virus - related death . It ’s remain virus - free by stay closed off to the world for almost two days .
Photo:MARY LYN FONUA(Getty Images)
But themassive eruptionof the Hunga Tonga – Hunga Haʻapai volcano earlier this calendar month has forced the island country to look for away assistance . At least three people died as a result of the eruption and several Village were damaged by the tsunami alongside anunderwater fiber optic cablecutting off phone and internet access to the outside world .
assist vessel have been lining up to leave support to the small island nation . But though more than one-half of the Tongan population isreported to be fully immunise , officials are n’t taking any prospect and have even opt for contactless obstetrical delivery from vessel that are providing support and render supplies during the disaster convalescence . A covid-19 eruption on the island nation at any time , have alone as people recover from a disaster while extraneous communication with the world is spotty at safe , would be a disaster .
The ships and flights delivering aid are also make every precaution . That include the Australian detail , which is taking every public wellness safeguard while ensuring much - needed supply get in a well timed mode .
“ We can do that in a contactless way , spray the equipment , so the hazard of eliminate on the virus is obviously negligible , ” Australia ’s Defense Minister Peter Dutton said during anews conferenceearlier this workweek . “ There are different option that we ’re working through at the moment . ”
Still , covid-19 shell put a intermission on Japan ’s relief efforts this week . An tending mission was suspended when four of the crowd members tested cocksure for the virus after being stationed in Australia . The first crew membertested positively charged on Monday , just a few day after the bunch flew its first load of bottled water supply to the island Carry Nation . All this establish that even two years into the pandemic , tragedy recovery is still proving to be a challenge .
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