Tonga

[GeordieGirl]

I wonder when we'll get news of our brothers and sisters in Tonga.  The single underwater cable, connecting Tonga to the rest of the world, has been severed by the tsunami and satellite communications are hampered by the ash cloud.

They are saying it could be up to 2 weeks before communication is restored. 

 

The runway is covered in ash so planes taking in supplies and fresh drinking water are unable to land at present.

 

Two deaths reported in Tonga so far - one an English woman who ran a dog refuge.  Two deaths in Peru from abnormally high waves.

 

Hopefully our brothers will have something in place so we can get news soon.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-60034170

[hatcheckgirl]

My sister in Sydney has been updated by a Tongan sister also in Sydney with some news. She said two special pioneers from Oz serving there were able to get to the Australian high commission and put a phone call through to this Tongan sister in Sydney.

 

All brothers and sisters on the main island are accounted for. Though a newly married couple lost their home. They all sheltered in a KH. 👍
 

But as for the outlying islands, no news yet. 

[Tia]

Thank you for posting sis, I have been awaiting any news on 

our brothers and sisters there and surrounding area(s).  

[Friends just call me Ross]

Best explanation of the Tonga explosion I have found.  Also, how and why ash fallout from the explosion poses such a problem post eruption.

 

 

[James the Less]

The Australasia branch received an update today on what’s happening with our brothers in Tonga.

 

It was extremely difficult to establish contact, but the overseer of the RTO in Tonga and an elder from an affected congregation managed to get some news to the Branch Committee. You will be pleased to know that all our brothers and sisters are safe. Only two brothers and sisters sustained damage to their homes from the tsunami, and those who were displaced because of this are being accommodated by other families while repair work is going on. The relief efforts are being concentrated on clearing brothers and sisters’ roofs and gutters of ash, since many Tongans rely on rainwater for their water supply. A generator, water, and ample food supplies are available at the RTO. Thankfully, since the RTO and Kingdom Hall are both situated on higher ground, they were not impacted by the tsunami. There are no immediate concerns with food supplies at this time. 

[-Chris-]

Good to hear that the friends are safe.

 

The Kingdom Hall (and presumably the RTO) are visible on Google Maps Street View. You can even 'drive' the street view down the street a bit and see what looks like a witness couple.

 

https://goo.gl/maps/GBYYcQunFVBe4kZh6

 

The Kingdom Hall does appear to be in a location somewhat protected from the tidal wave.