The unprecedented disaster left large swathes of the Pacific kingdom in ruins, as volcanic ash turned day to night and tsunami surges washed over low-lying islands.
The volcanic eruption proved so powerful it could be heard from neighbouring Fiji, while a sonic boom was registered in all parts of the globe, including New Zealand.
A large volcanic mushroom plume was released reaching the stratosphere and extending radially, covering all Tonga islands, generating tsunami waves rising up to 15m, hitting the west coasts of Tongatapu Islands, ʻEua and Haʻapai Islands.
Three people died in the disaster, including British woman Angela Glover, who was swept away in the tsunami. A 65-year-old woman from Mango Island and a 49-year-old man from Nomuka Island, also died. Many others were left injured by the powerful waves.
A massive Pacific-wide aid operation is underway to bring food and supplies to the stricken nation.
