Before and after photos reveal how the massive volcanic eruption has caused devastation in Tonga, with houses torn apart and thick layers of ash visible.
It has been described as an unprecedented disaster by the Tongan government, and communications with the country have been severely disrupted by blast.
The power of the eruption of the Hunga Tonga Hua’apai volcano ranks among the world’s biggest over the past 30 years. At least three people have been killed, including British woman, Angela Glover.
On three of Tonga’s smaller islands, homes have been “completely destroyed,” said the Red Cross on Wednesday, having been ravaged by waves of up to 49 feet.
Among the destruction made clear in before and after satellite photos is the impact the volcanic eruption has had on the main port in the capital, Nuku’alofa.
The first, taken on December 29, shows structures which are thought to have been destroyed by massive tsunami waves after the explosion.
While inland areas are reported to have received less damage, the after photo on January 18 shows the waterfront has been hit severely.
Homes which had previously been visible from the air, such as in this before photo on December 29 are now seen lying under thick blankets of ash.
The Tongan authorities say housing on several islands have suffered extensive damage. On one island, where around 50 people live, all the homes have been destroyed, while on another, only two are said to be remaining.
On the main island of Tongatapu, thick ash has polluted the rainwater that residents normally rely on.
The eruption in Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano- crater left little visible above water. Whereas before, two islands could be seen from the air, the forceful explosion now means only high-lying land is visible to the eye.
The main Tongan airport, the Fua’amotu International Airport, was not damaged but the ash from the volcano on the runway has hindered rescue efforts. Australia has said the runway needs to be cleared before supplies can be conveyed in military planes.
New Zealand has sent two ships to Tonga, one carrying water and a desalination plant, and the other bringing teams to assess the damage to vital infrastructure.
The ships are expected to take three to four days to arrive, though one estimate was that they could be there as early as Friday.
