ashfall

The Ministry of Fisheries said these areas were affected by the ashfall after the volcano eruption on January 15.

It said it received reports of people getting sick after consuming shellfish from these areas. Fish in these coastal areas could also be at risk, it said.

Kaniva News reports victims included people who suffered from diarrhoea, vomiting, and having pain in various parts of the body at the same time.

The Ministry said fish from deep sea fishing could be safe for consumption.  

Efforts to clear a thick blanket of ash continue two weeks after the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano, which triggered a tsunami and caused widespread destruction across the archipelago. 

Tevita H Hafoka lives in Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa and said it was like the city was in greyscale before the first decent downpour of rain finally came on Friday.

"Everything was covered in ash: it was like a sepia-tone picture," Mr Hafoka said.

"Everything was grey and brown but we're finally seeing some colour.

Communication with the outside world remained difficult on Sunday, with few internet services, and outlying islands still cut off from the phone service.

The Red Cross said it was providing not only tents, food, water and toilets to 173 households on Tonga's main island, but also comfort.

"Everyone is still struggling right now," said Drew Havea, the vice president of Tonga Red Cross. Because of the ash, "families are making sure their kids are not playing outside, that they are all indoors", he said.