A massive aid effort for Tonga across New Zealand is picking up momentum.
But delivery in the Kingdom has been slowed down by a lack of forklifts following the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai eruption, tsunami and now Covid-19.
The first shipment of aid sent to Tonga by New Zealand community members and businesses is finally being unpacked after completing mandatory quarantine on Tongatapu. Photo: Aotearoa Tonga Relief Committee
Christchurch Tongan Community Secretary Sami Paeahelotu is backing calls for community donations of forklifts to send to Tongatapu:
"It will be a great thing that for all people in Aotearoa to come together, but I think that's one thing it's important for us all in that not only as Tongan or Samoan or things and that but as humanity that we come together to help one another."
The first shipment of aid sent to Tonga by New Zealand community members and businesses is finally being unpacked after completing mandatory quarantine on Tongatapu Photo: Aotearoa Tonga Relief Committee
Aotearoa Tonga Relief Committee Secretary Pakilau Manase Lua said the Armed Forces are offloading the 51 shipping containers which have already arrived in Tonga from New Zealand by hand.
Some of the barrels weigh up to 200 kilograms each.
He said at this rate they can only unpack two a day.
Cable
The cable repair ship Reliance has located the break in the Southern Cross Cable that has severely disrupted communications into and out of Tonga since it was cut during last month's eruption of Hunga Tonga Hunga Haapai and the resulting tsunami.
The cable has been lifted out of the water and repairs are happening onboard the ship.
the cable maintenance ship Reliance Photo: vesselfinder.com
Tonga Cable Ltd Chief Executive Samuiela Fonua said the Reliance is working in Tongan waters and the damage had been located where the cable connects Tonga to Fiji.