First relief flight lands in tsunami-hit Tonga, more on way

The first on-the-ground images from Tonga show beaches covered with debris and volcanic ash [Marian Kupu/Broadcom Broadcasting FM87.5/via Reuters]

The first flights carrying emergency relief supplies for Tonga have landed, and more are on their way, after the runway at the Pacific island nation’s main airport was cleared of ash and debris from last weekend’s devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami.

Like many other parts of the country, the runway at Nuku’alofa was blanketed in ash after the eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai, an undersea volcano, which sent giant plumes of ash, volcanic debris, and smoke into the air.