Rescue teams have been sent to some of the outlying islands, including one where all the houses were destroyed and another where just two homes remain.

The UN has confirmed four deaths in the disaster – three nationals and a woman from Britain.

Aid efforts have been hampered by ash continuing to fall from the volcano.

Volunteers have been sweeping the runway of the main airport to allow planes bringing drinking water and other supplies to land.

____(I)____ Wednesday morning ____(II)____ Tonga, a UN representative for the region said that while clearing the ash had proven more difficult than expected, good progress had been made and it was hoped that flights might soon resume.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-60039617

The word “hampered”, underlined in the text, is closest in meaning to _______ .