Dave and Dior Sheen live in one of the closest homes to the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano, but are in New Zealand on a boat maintenance trip. Photo / Sam Olley, RNZ
Dave and Dior Sheen live in one of the closest homes to the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano, but are in New Zealand on a boat maintenance trip. Photo / Sam Olley, RNZ
A family from Nomuka expect their home will be unliveable when they return from New Zealand.
The Sheens have been in Northland for the past month, for temporary maintenance on their catamaran, and have not been able to make contact with friends back home in Tonga.
Last weekend's eruption and tsunami killed a 49-year-old man on Nomuka, and caused extensive damage to the island, where around 400 people live.
Containers of non-perishable foods, water, utensils, batteries and torches from New Zealand donations are destined for Nomuka, as well as Mango, Atata, and Fonoifua islands.