Aerial reconnaissance images have revealed shocking destruction on one of Tonga’s islands caused by last month's volcanic eruption and tsunami.
Most structures on Tonga’s Atata Island appear to have been wiped out completely – however, a blue and white church remained miraculously intact.
ADF personnel conducting the reconnaissance were surprised to see so many people – including children – living on the island amid the devastation.
To help avoid spreading Covid-19 to Tonga, relief operations by the ADF are being conducted with no face-to-face contact with the Tongan community.
“We have discovered more people on the islands than expected,” Major Richard Bremner said.
“That’s of interest to both the government of Tonga and to us, particularly when applying Covid-safe measures to relief operations.
“We may need to determine how we can work with the government of Tonga to support the movement of those people if we are requested to conduct tasks on those islands.”
The country entered a two-day lockdown on Wednesday night, after recording two new community cases of the virus.
Prior to the tsunami, Atata Island had an estimated population of a little over 100 and its main feature was the Royal Sunset Islaxjmtzywnd Resort.
According to the organiser of a fundraiser to assist with the island’s recovery, people are not yet permitted to return there due to safety concerns.
“The government is still not sure if the village will be rebuilt and there are discussions that all Atata villagers could be reallocated on the mainland. This has been very traumatic, as it is their home, where ancestors are buried,” fundraiser organiser Bruno Dubois said.
“Obviously for the resort, not much is left standing, except some parts of the main buildings, but there is no way the resort can be rebuilt, as so much land has been swept away.”
Aviation assistance being provided to Tonga includes three Army CH-47F Chinook helicopters operating from the flight deck of the HMAS
The helicopters were used to conduct reconnaissance missions at the request of the Tongan government.
So far Australia has delivered over 88 tonnes of supplies to Tonga, which fell into turmoil after the sudden eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai on Saturday, 15 January.
The focus of the ADF mission has now shifted to assisting with information gathering by air and sea.
Australia has also sent a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to assist with information gathering, and airlift support in the form of a C-17A Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules transport aircraft.
ADF Chinooks were also used to assess the extent of airborne volcanic ash, which can cause dangerous conditions for aircraft by degrading engines and other equipment.
“It is nice to see the air is relatively clear,” said Major Bremner.
Small water craft including Zodiacs and light landing craft have also been deployed from the HMAS to conduct reconnaissance by sea.
“A Small Boats Platoon from 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, will be employed as the primary reconnaissance element to prove safe passage and identify potential landing sites for Army engineers,” small boats platoon commander, Lieutenant Jordan Chee said.
The Platoon has partnered with Navy’s Deployable Geospatial Support Team Two, to conduct hydrographic surveys of the area, using single beam and multi beam echo sounders, as well as side scan sonars.
It will allow the team to depict a 3D image of the sea floor to assess beach gradients and potential obstructions.
