The massive eruption of an underwater volcano near Tonga in the Pacific Ocean triggered a tsunami on Saturday, Jan. 15, that devastated its smaller outer islands and blocked the runway at its main airport with volcanic ash.
Australia sent a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon to the RAAF Edinburgh base on 17 January to help monitor the disaster-ravaged islands. The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing P-3K2 Orion aircraft, which rarely enters Tongan airspace for reconnaissance missions, reports its findings to the Tongan government.
Tonga’s ash-strewn runway is expected to be cleared on January 19, paving the way for airlift assistance and support. One of the first planes to land in Tonga was a RAAF Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, which left Amberley Air Force Base, south of Brisbane.
Meanwhile Australia’s HMAS Adelaide Also loading medical and engineering equipment and personnel in Brisbane. It takes five days to travel to Tonga. HMAS Adelaide The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Canberra-class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ship, the largest ever built for Australia. Australian Senator Payne said it would serve as a base for Australian helicopters to serve residents of the outer islands, which were expected to suffer major damage.
At the same time, New Zealand sent HMNZS Wellington and HMNZS new Zealand The three-day voyage to Tonga begins on 17 January.Defense Secretary Penny Henarei said Wellington is a protection-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) that will carry hydrographic survey and diving teams and a Kaman SH-6G Super Kraken helicopter, as well as auxiliary vessels, new Zealand “Large water supplies and humanitarian and disaster relief supplies” will be taken.
David Oliver
