Volcanic Ashes Fall on Kiribati

 

Volcanic Ashes Fall on Kiribati

10:21 AM on 26th March 2022

Aelvin Kanthony, RNZ Pacific regional correspondent 

Aelvin.Kanthony@rnz.co.nz

Following the tsunamis reaching the Gilbert Islands Chain of Kiribati, further development of the situation has occurred where ashes from the volcano have reached the outskirts of Kiribati and soon to reach everywhere else in the nation.

These ashes carry with it high levels of sulphur which are toxic at such concentrations. This is particularly impactful as it contaminates both drinking water and fishing areas, resources that are crucial to the region’s people, especially those in the less developed areas of the nation. These polluted drinking and food sources may increase the risks of diseases such as cholera and diarrhea. 

Further, fine ashes from the volcano may be inhaled by people, which would cause numerous respiratory issues including asthma and other related long-term cardiovascular illnesses. Volcanic ashes on the water may also raise sea temperature in the short term, causing even greater harm to food sources.

Experts have said that fishing vessels should halt fishing efforts in the next week to avoid acquiring contaminated fish. Further, as planes are unable to fly safely in such an environment, ships should be used for any and all transportation. People should also remain indoors to lower the chances of breathing in the noxious air. 

This is following warnings brought up by Member of Parliament Pinto Katia from Makin who had brought focus on the issue of contamination via volcanic ash to the Parliament of Kiribati. However, no action was taken at that point. 

As of right now, this is an issue that is hotly debated in Parliament. Member of Parliament Tekeeua Tarati of Tamani has stated that “they should take important documents, as well as any freshwater or food, at least for one week. It is hard to determine when aid can actually drive. The people of the islands need to be self-sufficient until then, that’s the realistic situation on the ground.” 

While the member of parliament from Makin, Pinto Katia, has sought help from the international community, saying, “condolences to those who are affected by the tsunami. Proposes to form a crisis committee to cooperate with international NGOs to help in evacuation and humanitarian aid efforts to those affected.”