‘They didn’t think help was coming’: a month on from Tonga tsunami – in pictures
by Leki Lao in Tonga from World news | The Guardian on (#5W4SM)
When a tsunami and volcanic eruption devastated Tonga, photographer Leki Lao boarded a navy boat to deliver emergency supplies. He witnessed destruction, heartache and fear
At 6.30am on the day after the tsunami hit, I went into work. I am a procurement officer at the Ministry of Lands in Tonga, and work as a photographer on the side. I had seen videos on Facebook that showed the waves from the tsunami reached the ministry's building in the capital of Nuku'alofa and I wanted to see if I could help with the clean up.
Top: A boat found more than 60 metres from the sea on Tungua. The owner checks for damage and a way to haul it back to the ocean.
Bottom: A police station on the beach on Nomuka island next to what remains of a main road.