Lisala Folau, who says he struggles to walk, told local radio he was swept away by a tsunami wave and eventually brought to the country's main island.
He said his son was calling out to them, but he decided not to answer so his son would try not to rescue him:"The truth is no son can abandon his father. But for me, as a father I kept my silence for if I answered him he would jump in and try to rescue me. But I understand the tough situation and I thought if the worst comes and it is only me."
Tonga is made up of a series of islands, and Folau said he was taken from his island, Atata, and past two other islands that were uninhabited before he was brought to the main island of Tongatapu."I just floated, bashed around by the big waves that kept coming," he said. Folau, a retired carpenter, said he struggles to walk:"Bear in mind that I am disabled. I can't walk properly.", including a British woman, from the tsunami.Get the best of our site
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Reserve Bank forecast to increase key rate by 25 bps to 4.00% on January 27Inflation is creeping towards the top end of the Bank’s target range, justifying an increase in line with tighter monetary policy worldwide, economists say
Read more »
Reserve Bank forecast to increase key rate by 25 bps to 4.00% on January 27Inflation is creeping towards the top end of the Bank’s target range, justifying an increase in line with tighter monetary policy worldwide, economists say
Read more »
First aid flights set to reach TongaThe flights will carry vital humanitarian supplies such as water and telecommunications equipment.
Read more »
Satellite imagery shows the widespread damages after Tonga volcano eruption and tsunamiSatellite imagery from Maxar Technologies shows the devastation caused by the volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga.
Read more »
Peru says oil spill caused by Tonga waves is an 'ecological disaster' - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.An oil spill at a refinery in Peru during high waves caused by the explosion last weekend of a volcano in Tonga is an “ecological disaster,” the Peruvian government said on Wednesday.
Read more »
New Zealand navy ships taking water, other supplies to tsunami-hit Tonga - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.Two New Zealand navy vessels carrying water and other supplies will arrive in Tonga on Friday, the first international aid to reach the Pacific island nation reeling from a volcanic eruption and tsunami.
Read more »