Disaster sparks exodus

People living in the areas badly affected by the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic disaster last December are relocating to other islands in Tonga. Three people were killed and hundreds of homes were destroyed by a tsunami generated by the massive eruption. University of Auckland volcanologist Professor Shane Cronin said there was a resettlement scheme to help people relocate to ’Eua island. ‘‘That’s the sort of thing that needs to be thought about, (for) other people living in lowlying areas . . . what are the other alternatives in the future?’’ Further small-scale eruptions were expected, he said – RNZ