Following the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano this weekend, the government of Tonga has released the first aerial images of the destruction wrought by the ensuing tsunami.
While Nomuku, one of the islands closest to the volcano, suffered “extensive damage,” Mango Island, where an active signal from a distress beacon was detected earlier, witnessed “catastrophic” destruction, Newshub notes.
The media outlet also mentions that homes and the wharf at Ha'apai were destroyed, while owners of the waterfront Ha'atafu Beach Resort said it has been "completely wiped out."
Angela Glover, who was swept into the sea when the tsunami hit, is the first person to be confirmed killed by the disaster. The 50-year-old Brit's life in Tonga “was all about rescuing and caring for unwanted dogs."
Peter Lund, New Zealand's acting High Commissioner in Tonga, has said that in total, there have been reports of three deaths, though the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that only two have been confirmed, the media outlet adds.