The extent of the damage caused by the eruption of an underwater volcano near Tonga has been revealed after pictures were captured by a New Zealand Defence Force aircraft.
The aircraft confirmed that all of the homes on one of Tonga's small islands were destroyed by the tsunami caused by the eruption.
So far, three people have been confirmed dead, and several injuries have been reported.
Communications with the island have been extremely limited after the blast severed an underwater cable.
In a statement, the office of Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni said every home on Mango island, with a population of around 50, had been destroyed.
Only two houses remain on Fonoifua, and Namuka island has also suffered extensive damage.
Tonga's deputy head of mission in Australia, Curtis Tu'ihalangingie, said pictures taken by defence forces showed "alarming" scenes of a village on Mango island and buildings missing on Atata island.
He told Reuters: "People panic, people run and get injuries. Possibly there will be more deaths, and we just pray that is not the case."
A 65-year-old woman on Mango Island and a 49-year-old man on Nomuka Island were killed as a result of the natural disaster.
A British national whose death was confirmed on Monday was also killed after attempting to save her dogs from an animal shelter which she ran.
A search and rescue operation began on Sunday for Atata island, which has a population of about 100 people.
The office said: "Challenges to sea and air transportation remain due to damage sustained by the wharves and the ash that is covering the runways."
It is understood limited communications have been made with Tonga using satellite phones. However, some areas are expected to remain cut off for two weeks.
The Tongan navy has deployed health teams and water, food and tents to the Ha'apai islands, with more aid sent today after the severity of the damage on Mango, Fonoifua and Namuka islands was seen.
The NZDF images showed tarpaulins being used as shelter on the devastated island.
Tonga is expected to issue formal requests for aid in the coming days.
New Zealand said two ships, HMNZS Wellington and HMNZS Aotearoa, had set off with water supplies, survey teams and a helicopter.
