(Reuters] – The Red Cross announced Wednesday that humanitarian aid was increasing in Tonga after the airport had been cleared of ash. It was now safe to land after the tsunami which decimated the South Pacific archipelago.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said that with additional supplies, its staff and volunteers have increased deliveries of water and established shelters throughout the country’s numerous islands.

Sione Taumoefolau (secretary general, Tonga Red Cross), said that the disaster had “shaken the peoples of Tonga like no other we have ever seen” in a statement.

“The tsunami devastated homes and villages. But, we’re already rebuilding from the ashes.” 

According to the U.S. Agency for International Development, (USAID), the United States will provide an additional $2.5 Million in humanitarian aid and guided missile destroyer USS Sampson arrived in Tonga this week as part of a multilateral effort.

A warship from Australia was due to arrive at Tonga, coronavirus free, on Wednesday. It would deliver humanitarian aid to the victims of COVID-19.

Red Cross, United Nations, and other relief organizations on the ground in Tonga warn that an outbreak of COVID-19 in Tonga would cause widespread destruction.

Taumoefolau explained that there is an immediate need for water supplies to be available to people in the weeks and days ahead. It has settled in water tanks. This requires time for it to settle before being used. It also has ravaged much of the country including homes and crops.

A tsunami caused by the Hunga Tonga Ha’apai volcano eruption destroyed many villages and towns and cut off communications to the country of approximately 105,000 inhabitants. Authorities reported that three people were killed.