Tongan students studying in Japan are worried about their families and friends in their volcano-ravaged home country.

A massive volcanic eruption on Saturday disrupted phone and internet connections to the island country in the South Pacific.

Tangimana Lata I Faingataa and Kaufusi Liekina He Lotu Kapiolani are seniors at Nippon Bunri University in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan. They are both 23 years old and belong to the university's rugby team.

Tangimana's mother lives in Tonga's capital, while his father and six brothers live on another island. He has called them and sent text messages, but has received no reply.

Tangimana says he's very worried about his mother as she lives near the coast. He says he would like to go back to Tonga and see his family, if possible.

Kaufusi says he's been unable to contact his family and friends. He says he wants to help the people of Tonga.