Leaked New Zealand military photos show scale of damage caused by Tonga volcano eruption

An aerial image, taken by the New Zealand defence force and leaked online, showing extensive damage to a coastal community in Tonga. Photograph: NZ Defence Force

Aerial images prepared by the New Zealand defence force for the Tongan government have been leaked online and show some areas have had “catastrophic” devastation inflicted by the tsunami and volcanic eruption while others were relatively unscathed.

The 40 aerial pictures show some areas blanketed with ash, with damaged buildings, while others show parts of the country that appear unscathed.