Tonga is receiving humanitarian aid as countries are sending much-needed supplies to the South Pacific nation after the aircraft could land after the airport was reopened.
In the latest images coming from the disaster-hit nation, as far as one could see, the roads, infrastructures, etc are covered in ash, telling a terrifying tale of the massive undersea volcanic eruption that sent Tsunami waves.
Foreign aid planes arrived today but the aid drops will be contactless to limit the spread of coronavirus in a country that has seen just one confirmed case.
IN PICS | Latest satellite pictures: Tsunami and volcano in Tonga
Amid the scenes of devastation and damage, a survival story has gained attention. The story of Lisala Folau, a 57-year-old Tongan man who has claimed that he swam for more than 24 hours to save himself after he was swept out to sea by the dangerous high waves.
Folau told Reuters that he felt scared but his faith in God helped him “overcome fears”. Talking about his survival story, he said, “When I was in the water I remember going underwater eight times. My legs are disabled and my disability and my legs don’t function as well.”
The Guardian reported that Folau is a retired disabled carpenter who lives on a small island called Atala, with a population of about 60 people.
“So I went underwater eight times and I tried to get air. The sea kept twirling me and taking me underwater. On the eighth time I thought, the next time I go underwater that’s it, because my arms were the only things that were keeping me above water.”
“So I told myself the next time I come up and I can’t handle it, that’s it. So the ninth time I went under and came up and grabbed a log. And that’s what kept me going.”
the report mentioned that Folau was painting his house on Saturday evening when he received the news about the tsunami from his brother.
Current situation Tonga
Australia and New Zealand confirmed that their planes loaded with supplies reached Tonga, after days of delays. The flights carried carry humanitarian supplies and telecommunications equipment.
As per the latest inputs, news from Tonga has been severely limited since the weekend’s disaster, which damaged undersea communications cables.
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