A representative of a Japanese governmental agency in Tonga told NHK in an interview on Tuesday that local roads and houses are covered in ash and that many people need drinking water.

Resident Representative Takashima Hiroaki of the Tonga office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA, in the capital Nuku'alofa spoke to NHK through satellite phone.

Takashima said he was at home near the beach when the volcanic eruption occurred on January 15. He said he heard several large explosions and felt a slight shockwave. He fled to the office after seeing volcanic smoke and high waves on a normally calm sea.

Takashima said there is currently traffic on roads, and some shops are open.

He said the government doesn't appear to know the full extent of human casualties, but he heard news on the radio saying two people were confirmed dead.

Takashima said many households in Tonga collect rainwater for drinking, but the government has warned people against that as the water may contain volcanic ashes.

He said many people are in need of bottled water. He added that residents are lining up at a company that supplies drinking water.

He expressed concern over mid- to long-term impact on people's lives due to damage to farm products caused by volcanic ashes. He stressed the need to assess the extent of damage as soon as possible.