Disaster Response Underway in Tonga Amid COVID Concerns
Image copyright: 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.
The twin disasters severed Tonga's connection with the outside world and caused catastrophic damage on its outer islands.
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.
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.