Why grave fears remain for many in Tonga, following underwater explosion

A Tongan athlete who rose to fame at the 2016 Rio Olympics says he holds grave fears for his family and friends after a tsunami hit the island nation following the eruption of an underwater volcano.

It’s expected to be at least another day before much needed supplies can reach Tonga by air, with volcanic ash preventing planes from arriving.

Pita Nikolas Taufatofua, who lives in Brisbane, told Neil Mitchell he was still unable to reach his father and making contact was virtually impossible.

He said it wouldn’t have taken much to cause significant damage.

“Some of these islands don’t sit a metre above sea level,” he explained.

Mr Taufatofua has already launched a fundraiser to help with the recovery.

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