the united nations says there's been a distress signal from an isolated, low—lying group of islands in the tonga archipelago following saturday's massive volcanic eruption and tsunami. the south pacific country remains virtually cut off from the rest of the world due to a damaged communications underwater cable. the australian and new zealand military are scrambled to provide humanitarian aid in what's fast becoming a race against time. both countries are carrying drinking water and humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies for a three day voyage. aircraft have also been sent to the islands, although the airport has yet to be cleared of ash. the muslim council of britain is condemned an attack on a synagogue in texas in the strongest possible terms. the man from blackburn was shot dead by police after taking four people hostage.