Papua New Guinea Government has assured ‘wan solwara’ nation of Tonga that it is monitoring the situation since the underwater volcanic eruption and tsunami on Saturday.

Australia has already assisted with a surveillance flight. The damages done by the Tsunami remain unclear due to breakdown in communication.

In a media statement last night, Prime Minister, James Marape has expressed his concern about the situation.

He says the Government is closely monitoring the situation and will assist where it can.

“I am greatly concerned about the situation in Tonga where an undersea volcano erupted on Saturday, sending large tsunami waves crashing across the shore and people rushing to higher ground,” PM Marape said.

“I join in with all the people of Papua New Guinea in sending our thoughts and prayers to the people of Tonga at this time.

Tonga and PNG have close Government and people-to-people relations as Pacific ‘wan solwara’. My Government, through the Department Affairs and Trade, is closely monitoring the situation and will assist where we can. May God protect Tonga in this trying time.