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On January 15, 2022, Tonga experienced a devastating tsunami caused by an underwater volcano eruption. This natural disaster unleashed an immense force, surpassing even the energy of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, causing widespread destruction.

As the tsunami hit the shores of Tonga, residents described the ordeal of their ears ringing as they hurriedly sought safety. The aftermath left a thick layer of ash and dust, coating trees and buildings, a somber reminder of the disaster’s ferocity.

Recovery efforts were initiated immediately, but Tonga faced another challenge as the Southern Cross Cable, the main internet link connecting the island to the world, was severely damaged. With this vital communication channel broken, Tonga, with a population of approximately 100,200, found itself largely cut off from the rest of the globe.

Malia Fuimaono, a Tonga resident who happened to be in Fiji during the aftermath of the tsunami, experienced the loss of communication and power firsthand. While awaiting a repatriation flight to return home after completing her studies, she witnessed the worrying moment when the devastation knocked out vital infrastructure.

The impact of the internet outage in Tonga cannot be underestimated. In a world highly dependent on digital connectivity, the loss of access to the internet severely hampers communication, coordination, and access to critical information. It also isolates Tonga from important resources and assistance that could aid in the recovery processes.

Efforts are currently underway to restore the internet connection in Tonga. The reconstruction and repair of the damaged Southern Cross Cable will require considerable time and resources. Until that happens, Tonga’s residents and authorities face the challenging task of rebuilding their lives and infrastructure while being disconnected from the global network.

The resilience and determination of the Tongan people will undoubtedly be key to overcoming this crisis. Surrounding nations and international organizations have joined hands to provide support and assistance in this time of need. Together, they are working towards the recovery and restoration of Tonga, ensuring that the island once again re-establishes its connection to the global community.

The post Tonga Devastated by Powerful Tsunami and Internet Outage appeared first on ISP Today.