Communications and aid still hampered after Tonga eruption

Communications and aid efforts remain significantly hampered, days after the eruption of an underwater volcano near Tonga triggered a tsunami. While initial reports suggest there are no mass casualties, British woman Angela Glover has been confirmed as the first known death from the incident.

A Royal Australian Air Force P-8 Poseidon aircraft departs RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland to assist the Tonga Government after the volcanic eruption. Source: AAP

The 50-year-old British national had lived in the small Pacific nation with her husband, James, since they got married.

The New Zealand High Commission is reporting significant damage along the western coast of the main island of Tongatapu, where there are many holiday resorts, as well as the capital, Nuku'alofa, in the north.

While initial reports suggest there are no mass casualties, the situation in other parts of the archipelago remain unknown.

The United Nations says it’s concerned by a distress signal coming from the isolated, low-lying islands of Fonoi and Mango, which are home to around 100 people.

Geologist Dr Chris Firth says the risk of further volcanic activity remains.

 

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