The death toll of the volcanic eruption in Tonga has risen to three people as local authorities work to restore order in the island nation.
The Tongan government issued its first official statement since the volcano erupted, calling it an 'unprecedented disaster' and declaring three people dead.
The statement confirmed one British national has died as well as a 65-year-old female from Mango Island and a 49-year-old male from Nomuka Island. Previous reports confirmed two fatalities.
"The search and rescue operation began immediately on Sunday morning...of the two reported missing, one has been found alive and the other, a British national was unfortunately the first fatality," the government said.
The number of people with injuries remains unconfirmed.
The government statement outlined the devastation that has occurred as a result of the January 15 eruption, which has damaged submarine cables creating communication outages and left many Tongan residents homeless.
All houses on Mango Island have been destroyed, and only two homes remain on Fonoifua Island, while there is 'extensive damage' on Nomuka Island.
Tonga's armed forces have been deployed to the affected areas, "with another health team, additional resources and emergency responders based on reports from the initial mission for Mango, Donoifua and Nomuka. The first consignment is headed for these islands," the statement said.
Evacuations are underway in areas, including Atata into Tongatpu and from Mango Island and Fonoifua to Nomuka Island.
Water supply and utilities suffer
Locals are being urged to drink bottled water, as local supplies have been affected by volcanic ash according to the government and World Health Organization.
"Efforts have been made to ensure the continuity of the supply of safe drinking water," the statement said.
Ash has also damaged wharves and blanketed runways making it difficult for residents to leave the affected islands.
Internet is out due to underwater cabling being damaged, and operators are currently working to restore services.
Limited communication has been made with Vava'u and Ha'apai through satellite phones and radio.
The volcanic eruption of the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai on Saturday saw a mushroom plume of smoke reach the stratosphere, and generate tsunami waves up to 15m high.
Evacuation orders were issued in neighbouring countries as huge waves were caused across several Pacific islands.
The statement also said while the tsunami warning has been cancelled and volcanic activity has 'significantly decreased', monitoring efforts continue.
