Tonga Avoids Widespread Disaster Despite Massive Volcanic Eruption

Eruption of the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcano Saturday sent a plume of ash into the South Pacific atmosphere and could be heard as far as Alaska.

Despite sitting almost on top of the volcano that erupted so violently on Saturday, the Pacific nation of Tonga appears to have avoided the widespread disaster that many initially feared.

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Perhaps the biggest problem is the ash that has coated the main island and transformed it into a gray moonscape, contaminating the rainwater that people rely on to drink. New Zealand's military is sending fresh water and other much-needed supplies, but said Tuesday the ash covering Tonga's main runway will delay the flight at least another day.