The nation’s government reports widespread destruction, with death toll expected to rise, after a massive volcanic eruption and tsunami.

Tonga is grappling with an “unprecedented disaster” following a massive volcanic eruption and 15-meter tsunami waves that have devastated the Pacific island nation. The government’s first official update since the eruption on Saturday confirmed the destruction of nearly all homes on two small islands and warned that the death toll could rise.

The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha‘apai undersea volcano, located about 40 miles north of the capital, is believed to be one of the largest volcanic events in three decades. The disaster triggered massive tsunami waves that caused severe damage across the nation, while a major communications breakdown hindered the ability to fully assess the damage.

Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni’s office confirmed the deaths of three people, but it is feared that more lives have been lost, as authorities have yet to establish contact with several islands. On Mango island, home to about 50 residents, every house was destroyed, while only two homes remained on the island of Fonoifua.

With the situation still developing, the full extent of the damage remains unclear. Authorities continue to rely on reconnaissance aircraft to gather information, while the government describes the eruption as an unprecedented disaster.