First images of ‘unprecedented disaster’

For the first time since a massive undersea volcano erupted and caused widespread damage, the government of Tonga released its first statement

The Government call it an ‘unprecedented disaster’ declaring three people dead.

Communications including internet are out and remain limited, images are starting to emerge days from the initial eruption showing the aftermath.

The Pacific island remains coated in volcanic ash and the government has released its first update since the volcanic eruption triggered a tsunami.

Sadly, three deaths have been confirmed – A 65-year-old woman, a 49-year-old man and British woman Angela Glover.

A number of injuries have also been reported, houses damaged, with evacuations and rescue efforts underway.

Communication lines with the affected islands are down and getting aid to where it is most needed is the main concern.

Water supplies have been “seriously affected” by the volcanic ash so other countries are trying to fly in clean drinking water and other supplies, but so far have been unable to land.

Flights have been halted and sea transport routes are disrupted too.

Tonga expects the rescue and clean-up efforts to ramp up now the threat of volcanic activity has ‘significantly decreased’

The blast triggered tsunami warnings from Fiji to Hawaii… what about health warnings?

People are being advised to remain indoors because of the ash.

There are health concerns as people are breathing it, especially with a huge clean-up mission that is happening

Volcanic ash exposure can irritate the lungs, eyes and skin.

Locals have also been advised to drink bottled water too..

The clean-up operation will include ships from Australia and New Zealand to help with pumping out water.

Tonga is made up of about 170 islands, most people are farmers or involved in agriculture, meaning the longer-term devastation to lives and livelihoods will be huge.