Back-to-back volcanic eruptions that resulted in tsunami waves wreaked havoc on Tonga, a small Pacific island. Despite the tragedy and damage, the survival of a differently-abled man in the face of hardship has risen as a light of hope for all.
Lisala Fola gets hailed as a real-life “Aquaman” after surviving 27 hours in the ocean when tsunami waves hit his native island of Atata. He made it to the beach after being thrown around in the sea by a strong current, leaving everyone relieved but also astonished.
The undersea volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai erupted recently. It left ashes and plumes covering kilometers of land while sweeping away people’s houses and vacation resorts throughout the archipelago. However, the 57-year-old Tongan guy, a former carpenter, was aided by his swimming abilities.
“I simply floated, pummeled about by the enormous waves that kept coming,” he said in an interview with Tongan media outlet Broadcom Broadcasting, recounting his survival story. Please keep in mind that I am handicapped. “I’m unable to walk correctly.”
Folau’s brother alerted him to the tsunami, and he sheltered in a tree. When he landed after the first wave, a wave took him and his family out to sea.
“Because it was dark, we couldn’t see each other.” He added, “I could no longer hear my niece calling, but I could hear my son calling.” The man said he didn’t answer the calls because he didn’t want his family to risk their lives to save him.
Folau claimed he swam 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) to Tongatapu’s main island, reaching the beach 27 hours later on Sunday night. He told the news agency “On the eighth time, I thought that I cannot survive if I again have to go underneath, since my arms were the only thing keeping me above water.”
Finally, on his ninth effort, he grabs onto a log. Folau also said the news agency that he is unfamiliar with the DC Universe character Jason Momoa in the movie, even though he has gone viral as Aquaman. Strange but true!!
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