There is an overwhelming sense relief in Tonga with people thankful the death toll is low following last Saturday's volcanic eruption and tsunami.
A journalist in Nuku'alofa, Pesi Fonua, has described the event as apocalyptic.
He is the father of RNZ Pacific reporter Finau Fonua, and finally managed to speak with his son by phone after a week of being cut off.
"It's a lot of work, cleaning up and work like that to be done, apart from that I think people are pleased nothing really worse happened. They are just so thankful not many lives lost," the elder Fonua said.
Photo: NZDF
Pesi Fonua is the editor of Matangi Tonga Online, perhaps Tonga's pre-eminent news agency.
He said the country is slowly returning to a state of normality with businesses re-opening and landline communications re-established on the main island of Tongatapu.
Photo: Consulate of the Kingdom of Tonga
Pesi Fonua said that there was an overall sense of relief among the public in spite of the great damage caused.
The western district of Tongatapu suffered catastrophic damage with villages left in ruins.
"They're having a hard time. Particularly in Kanokupolu but there's alot of help going out to them and they're just so thankful that not many lives lost," Fonua said.
Three fatalities have been confirmed since the eruption last Saturday.
Meanwhile the internet and phone connection remain intermittent and minimal.
Fonua put this down to a 2G service clogged by families overseas desperately trying to contact loved ones.
"They are hoping that ah, remember the cable is broken so it affects the cable so while we are waiting for that I think they are also working on trying to fix the connection between here, Ha'apai and Vava'u," Pesi Fonua said.
Collection continues at Mt Smart
The collection drive for donations to be shipped to Tonga is continuing today at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland.
Water bottles have been the main donation item, as the Kingdom face water shortages after the tsunami last weekend.
Photo: RNZ / Lydia Lewis
Organiser and community leader, Teleiai Edwin Puni, said this morning that there was a greater turnout of Tongans.
"We are here and those who are wanting to donate water in particular, and non-perishible food - that will be the priority items to go to Tonga. At two pm today, we will be presenting all of it to Lord Fakafanua, speaker of Legislative of Tonga and committee," he said.
The collection drive will finish at 8pm today.
