The damages caused by the volcanic eruption within the Lau Group.
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel are on standby for deployments to assist Tonga and affected islands within the Lau Group.
Commander, Major General Jone Kalouniwai says the personnel from the Land Forces and the Naval Ship RFNS Savenaca have been placed on standby with a 24-hour notice to move.
Major General Kalouniwai says as of yesterday, the Australian government has managed to establish contact with Tonga and the Kingdom has given approval for the Australian Defence Force to provide the tsunami relief support.
While ππππ πππ«ππ£πππ remains postured to deploy for HADR response, junior naval officers underwent a scheduled pilotage training onboard ππππ πππ ππͺ this morning to hone their navigation skills within confined waters #Navy βοΈπ«π― pic.twitter.com/j8E6k8YAuW
β Republic of Fiji Navy (@FijiNavy) January 19, 2022
He says the RFMF engineers and around 50 personnel have undergone the PCR COVID-19 test and have been placed under strict isolation conditions until departure.
“The plan is that the RFMF contingent will be airlifted within the next 48 hours to Australia to join the HMNS Adelaide in Brisbane before it sails on to Tonga on Friday”.
Having returned from Southern Lau over the weekend, ππππ πππ«ππ£πππ is postured ready to support a joint Government response to the Lau group
The RFN continues with its planning to support HADR response & have also been in contact with HM Tongan Navy #Fiji pic.twitter.com/dQA1uFoS2c
β Republic of Fiji Navy (@FijiNavy) January 18, 2022
The other deployment that will be done to the Lau Group will consist of a contingent of 25 RFMF personnel.
These personnel will support the government and Commissioner Eastern’s team in the assessment, water and ration support.
Major General Kalouniwai says they will also help in the survey of the extent of damage caused by the volcanic eruption within the Lau Group.
Korotolu village on Moce Island after the volcano eruptions in Tonga [Photos: Supplied]