Volcanic ash delays aid to Tonga as scale of damage emerges

In this photo provided by the New Zealand Defence Force, volcanic ash covers roof tops and vegetation in an area of Tonga (Cpl Vanessa Parker/NZDF via AP)

Thick ash on an airport runway is delaying aid deliveries to the Pacific island nation of Tonga, where significant damage was being reported days after a huge undersea volcanic eruption and tsunami.

New Zealand’s military is sending much-needed drinking water and other supplies, but said the ash on the runway will delay the flight by at least a day.