One year after volcanic blast, many of Tonga's reefs lay silent

Published 2023년 1월 15일

Tridge summary

The article explores the aftermath of the catastrophic 2022 underwater volcanic eruption in Tonga, which resulted in significant damage to the island nation's coastal waters and coral reefs, essential for subsistence fishing. The eruption triggered tsunamis and expelled vast amounts of water and ash into the atmosphere, causing widespread damage and forcing Tonga to seek $240 million for recovery. Despite commercial fishing contributing only 2.3% to the national economy, the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization estimates the cost of the eruption to the fisheries and aquaculture sector at around $7.4 million. However, agriculture has emerged as a source of resilience, despite concerns about volcanic ash contaminating soil. Furthermore, the article discusses the eruption's impact on the atmosphere, including the injection of 146 million tonnes of water into the stratosphere and the potential effects of increased water vapour on climate and ozone depletion.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

One year on from the massive eruption of an underwater volcano in the South Pacific, the island nation of Tonga is still dealing with damage to its coastal waters. When Hunga-Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai went off, it sent a shockwave around the world, produced a plume of water and ash that soared higher into the atmosphere than any other on record, and triggered tsunami waves that ricocheted across the region - slamming into the archipelago which lies southeast of Fiji. Coral reefs were turned to rubble and many fish perished or migrated away. The result has Tongans struggling, with more than 80 per cent of Tongan families relying on subsistence reef fishing, according to 2019 data from the World Bank. Following the eruption, the Tongan government said it would seek US$240 million for recovery, including improving food security. In the immediate aftermath, the World Bank provided US$8 million. "In terms of recovery plan ... we are awaiting funds to cover expenditure associated with ...

Source: Channelnewsasia