Polynesia

Disaster Response Underway in Tonga Amid COVID Concerns

JAN 16 2022·Updated JAN 5 2023

Story

Image credit: NICT/ handout via AFP [via Al Jazeera]

The Facts

A massive undersea volcano erupted near Tonga, creating a damaging local tsunami that traversed the Pacific and created an "unprecedented disaster" for the island nation.
CNN
The twin disasters severed Tonga's connection with the outside world and caused catastrophic damage on its outer islands.
The Guardian
As international aid organizations begin a large-scale response, there are fears that responders could bring a "tsunami of COVID" to the virus-free nation.
The Guardian

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

The global humanitarian system is mounting a robust, swift, and appropriate response. Some aid will be remote to respect Tonga's COVID-free policies, while resources like safe drinking water will need to be delivered on-site.

MSN

Narrative B

This global response must be sensitive. Tonga is nearly COVID-free and aid agencies must avoid bringing the virus. Responders must also consider that the Pacific Island community has just faced cyclone-related natural disasters.

The Sydney Morning Herald