According to the Tonga government, a 49-foot tsunami wave sparked the massive volcano off the coast of Tonga.
According to reports, at least three people have died in Tonga due to the tsunami that led to the volcano. Also, the death toll could be higher due to recent rescue underway in the island nation.
“An unprecedented disaster hit Tonga,” the government declared as rescue attempts began days after the volcano erupted.
The tsunami wave struck the west coast, affecting many islands and destroying a village, according to reports. Several persons have injuries as a result of the volcanic eruption, according to the government.
The deployment of health personnel and rescuers was delayed due to a communication breakdown with the island nation after the tsunami struck. The tsunami when then unleashed the volcano damaged the undersea cables, which hampered relief efforts.
The New Zealand government estimated that repairing the undersea cables would take at least a month. Hundreds of homes are victims of destruction. Major damage happened on numerous distant islands that are still inaccessible, according to reports.
The island of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai has lost a major portion of its surface area, according to the UN’s coordination office. Rescue operations were ongoing to save people.
Satellite images reveal that the ash has covered the island completely. Although the international airport has no damages, officials say that it might reopen on Wednesday.
New Zealand has dispatched two ships with supplies, as well as UN teams. As the island nation grapples with the havoc caused by the volcano, the Australian government announced its C-130 aircraft is ready to provide humanitarian help.