First foreign aid arrives in Tonga after eruption

• "The aircraft is carrying humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies, including water containers, kits for temporary shelters, generators, hygiene and family kits, and communications equipment," foreign affairs minister Nanaia Mahuta said.
• The delivery of the supplies was contactless to avoid COVID-19 transmission, per the statement. Tonga is currently free of COVID.

The big picture: The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano erupted on Saturday and sent tsunami waves across the nation's islands, killing at least three people and leaving damage along the western coast of the main island of Tongatapu.

• Communications to Tonga were also largely cut off after an undersea cable was damaged in the disaster.
• The first of two New Zealand Navy ships also arrived on Thursday, which will monitor shipping channels and "check the structural integrity of the wharf," defense minister Peeni Henare said.
• The second Navy ship, set to arrive on Friday, has bulk water supplies on board, according to a statement.

Go deeper: At least 3 dead after Tonga volcano eruption and tsunami

• NASA estimates Tonga volcano exploded with force of 5-6 megatons
• Tonga volcano isn't going to cool the planet