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Aid to volcano-hit Tonga brings 1st Covid outbreak, lockdown

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Aid to volcano-hit Tonga brings 1st Covid outbreak, lockdown

For more than two years, the Pacific archipelago nation of Tonga has been isolated from the rest of the world, helping to stop Covid-19.

But last month’s volcanic eruption and tsunami brought much-needed fresh water and medicine, as well as external deliveries of the virus.

Now the country is in an unrestricted lockdown, which residents hope will help curb small outbreaks that won’t last long.

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“We have very limited resources and our hospital is very small,” Tongan business owner Paula Taumoepeau said on Friday. “But I’m not sure any health system can cope. We’ve been lucky that we had two years of pretty high vax rates and we were locked down pretty quickly.”

Tonga is just one of several Pacific countries to experience its first outbreak in the past month. All have limited medical resources and fears that the remote areas that once protected them may now make it difficult for them to help.

“Obviously when your country already has a very strained and fragile health system, when you have an emergency or a disaster and then you have the potential to introduce a virus, that makes an already serious situation immeasurably worse.” John Fleming, head of health for the Red Cross Asia Pacific.

On January 15, Tonga was blanketed in volcanic ash after the massive undersea Hunga Tonga Hungaha Apai volcano erupted, followed by a tsunami.

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Only three people have been confirmed dead, but several small settlements on outlying islands have been wiped off the map and ash has contaminated much of the drinking water.

The country of 105,000 has only reported one case of COVID-19 since the pandemic began – a missionary from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who returned to the island from Africa via New Zealand tested positive in October – and authorities debate whether Let international aid come in.

They decided they had to, but despite strict precautions to unload boats and planes from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UK and China, two Tongan men working at the capital’s Queen Salute Wharf tested positive on Tuesday.

“Tonga has not had much luck this year,” said Samiula Funua, chairman of the state-owned company Tonga Cable Co Ltd, which owns the only fibre-optic cable connecting the country to the rest of the world. “We desperately need some good news.”

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According to the local Mattangi Tonga news site, the two were quarantined, but of the 36 possible contacts tested, one wife and two children also tested positive, while the others tested negative.

It is unclear how many people may have come into contact with the dockworkers, but the government has released a list of places where the virus may have spread, including a church, several shops, a bank and a kindergarten.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times

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US vice president JD Vance, wife Usha and kids visit Jaipur’s iconic Amber Fort | Pics

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US vice president JD Vance, wife Usha and kids visit Jaipur’s iconic Amber Fort | Pics

US Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha Vance, and their children visited the historical Amer Fort in Jaipur on April 22, 2025. The Vance family received a warm welcome at the Fort, where they were greeted with a traditional Rajasthani dance performance and elegantly decorated elephants. Second Lady Usha Vance, the wife of US vice president JD Vance, carries her daughter Mirabel as they watch a cultural performance at the Amber Fort in Jaipur.

Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma welcomed the Vance family as they visited the historic Amer Fort in Jaipur. The Vance family will depart for the US early Thursday morning. In related news, JD Vance and wife Usha attended Good Friday service at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Vance also visited the Taj Mahal in Agra on April 23, 2025. Vance said that “good progress.

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In other news, Pope Francis’ funeral is set to start on Wednesday, and the J&K tourist hub has been completely shut today. On 4/20, celebrations across the US highlight cannabis culture and calls for legalization had been made towards a trade deal with India after meeting with “tough negotiator” Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The Vance family visited.

On April 22, 2025, US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, and their three children, visited Jaipur’s historic Amber Fort. The family received a warm welcome, highlighted by traditional Rajasthani folk performances and a red carpet reception. As they entered the fort’s main courtyard, Jaleb Chowk, they were greeted by two elegantly decorated elephants named Chanda and Mala, raising their trunks in greeting. ​

During their visit, the Vances were joined by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who guided them through the fort’s rich history and architectural marvels. The family also enjoyed cultural performances featuring traditional dances such as Kacchi Ghodi, Ghoomar, and Kalbeliya, offering a glimpse into the vibrant.

Usha Vance, dressed in a chic white shirt and patterned skirt, explored the fort alongside her family and dignitaries, embracing the cultural experience culture of Rajasthan This visit was part of Vice President Vance’s four-day official trip to India, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and India. The Vance family departed for Washington.

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Bhajanlal Sharma welcomed the Vance family as they visited the historic Amer from Jaipur on April 24, concluding their cultural tour of India Upon their arrival at Amber Fort, the Vance family was greeted with traditional Rajasthani hospitality. Two elegantly decorated elephants, Chanda and Pushpa, adorned with silver ornaments, were stationed at the entrance welcome.

The family was also treated to a cultural performance featuring folk artists dressed in traditional Rajputi and Kalbelia attire, accompanied by musicians playing regional instruments. The vibrant rangolis and the overall festive atmosphere highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan The fort’s impressive courtyards and majestic structures.

Exploring the Fort’s Historical Significance

During their tour of Amber Fort, the Vance family explored various architectural marvels, including the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), known for its intricate mirror work and stunning design. They were accompanied by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who provided insights into the fort’s history and significance.​

Engaging with Local Culture

Throughout their visit, Vice President Vance demonstrated a keen interest in engaging with The Vance family’s visit to Amber Fort was part local culture. He interacted with the folk artists and expressed appreciation for the traditional performances, reflecting a genuine curiosity and respect for India’s diverse cultural heritage.​

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