"SYDNEY/WELLINGTON - Australia and New Zealand sent surveillance flights on Monday to assess damage in Tonga, isolated from the rest of the world after the eruption of a volcano that triggered a tsunami and blanketed the Pacific island with ash.

Australia's Minister for the Pacific Zed Seselja said initial reports suggested no mass casualties from Saturday's eruption and tsunami but Australian police had visited beaches and reported significant damage with "houses thrown around".

"We know there is some significant damage, and know there is significant damage to resorts," he said in an interview with an Australian radio station, adding that Tonga's airport appeared to be in relatively good condition.

One British woman was reported missing, he said."

Kirsty Needham and Praveen Menon report for Reuters January 17, 2022. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Significant Tsunami Damage Feared In Tonga, Communications Still Cut" (Reuters) [3]