The fate of 2,000 South Pacific islanders hit by a massive cyclone and 190 mph winds five days ago is unclear.
Emergency supplies are yet to reach Tikopia, Anuta and Fataka islands, 600 miles southeast of the Solomons capital of Honiara, which lost all contact with the outside world on Sunday when the maximum-rated Cyclone Zoe cut radio links.
However, aid officials who flew over the remote area saw signs of normal life among damaged houses and shredded trees.
Australian Foreign Minister Mr Alexander Downer said the crew of an Australian air force plane, which flew over the three Solomon Islands atolls to assess the damage, believed the devastation and possible death toll was not as bad as feared.
There has been no confirmation of any deaths on what are some of the world's most isolated islands in an area prone to cyclones.
But photos taken by a freelance photographer showed roofs ripped off buildings amid shredded and toppled trees on the island of Tikopia, one of the three islands that bore the main brunt of Cyclone Zoe's 190 mph winds.
The isolated islands have no airstrips and a dispute with the crew of a Solomons patrol boat over unpaid wages has affected the departure of a vessel carrying medical and food supplies.
Survivors among the estimated 2,000 islanders now face dangers such as contaminated water, with help still days away.