The island nation of Tonga in Oceania is basically cut off from the internet and telephone after an underwater cable broke.

Tonga is dependent on contact with the outside world to obtain daily necessities, and contact is also needed for the tourism industry.

While the authorities search for a solution, they have used satellite connections, an emergency solution that has included shutting down social media such as Facebook and the video site YouTube.

The limited connectivity has also meant difficulties in making financial transfers for the nation's residents.

“It is an absolute disaster for Tonga, a national crisis,” says Mary Fonua, editor of the news site Matangi Tonga.

It could take up to two weeks to repair the cable, which is 827 kilometers long and goes to Fiji.

Source: TT