When the tsunami hit, the family helped evacuate guests and tried to get out themselves. 9news
Karyn Goddard's brother in New Zealand owns the Ha'atafu resort in Tonga and was staying with his daughter and her husband, who now manage the hotel.The resort was destroyed by the tsunami."They had some people in their resort, they had to get them out first and get their family out," Ms Goddard said.The family was left stranded while the tsunami surged, however, were thankfully saved by a passing car.
The impact cut off communications and it's impossible to know how much further the damage has spread.The United Nations said a distress signal has been detected in a low-lying isolated group of islands, in particular Fonoi and Mango Islands.Volcanic ash covers roof tops and vegetation in an area of Tonga.
Aid is now being mobilised with the HMAS Adelaide on its way to Brisbane to collect extra supplies before heading to Tonga.
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