Tonga tsunami – Brit last seen clinging to rocks is ‘missing’ after being swept away from husband by wall of water

“James was able to hold on to a tree for quite some period of time.

“I don’t know if Angela was swept away immediately or whether she was swept away afterwards.”

He described his sister as “great, fun girl” who was popular with locals and loved the culture.

“She really embraced it, she loved the Tongans, she just thought they were wonderful people. She really grew into the Tonga way of life.”

Nick  his sister had been washed away with four or five dogs who she was walking at the time.

Her and her husband housesitting a home on the west coast of the island when the tsunami struck.

“One of the dogs has been found, but Angela hasn’t been found,” he said.

“It’s excruciating. I can’t even believe the words are coming out of my mouth, to be honest.”

Earlier Angela, who moved from London to Veitongo five years ago, posted a pic online and wrote: “This is the sunset today after the volcano exploded last night.

“We’ve been under tsunami warnings today. Everything’s fine.”

The Foreign Office yesterday confirmed it was helping a number of Brits following the massive undersea volcanic eruption.

The effects of the blast, captured by satellite, were felt as far away as California where waves swept inland, causing floods.

Power was out across Tonga as officials worked to assess casualty figures and damage.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern said contact had still not been established with coastal areas beyond the capital, Nuku’alofa, which was “covered in thick plumes of volcanic dust”.

Foreign Office minister Lord Tariq Ahmad, meanwhile, tweeted: “The UK stands ready to help and support our Tongan friends.”