Damage in tsunami-hit Tonga hampering relief efforts

Significant damage was reported along the western coast of Tonga's main island and outer islands on Tuesday following a massive volcanic eruption and tsunami, but a closed airport and downed communications are hampering international relief efforts. The New Zealand High Commission reported the damage along the western coast of the main island of Tongatapu, where there are many vacation resorts, and the waterfront of the capital Nuku'alofa. The Ha’atafu Beach Resort on the Hihifo peninsula, 21 km (13 miles) west of Nuku’alofa, was "completely wiped out", the owners said on Facebook. Australia's Minister for the Pacific Zed Seselja said Tongan officials were planning to evacuate people from outer islands where "they're doing it very tough, we understand, with many houses being destroyed in the tsunami". The eruption of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano, which sits on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, sent tsunami waves across the Pacific Ocean and was heard some 2,300 kms (1,430 miles) away in New Zealand. The South Pacific archipelago has remained largely cut off from the world since the eruption which cut its main undersea communications cable. The airport was now more likely to be open by Wednesday, he said.<br/>