A DOG belonging to a woman who died during a tsunami in Tonga has been found alive.

Angela Glover was killed while trying to rescue her dogs after the eruption of an underwater volcano triggered a tsunami.

The 50-year-old, who ran a dog rescue centre in Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa, and her husband James Glover were hit by the 1.2m (4ft) waves, but only James was able to cling on to a tree.

Angela, who was born in Brighton, was swept away along with her dogs and her body was later found, her brother confirmed.

The Argus: Angela Glover, from Brighton, died during the tsunami in Tonga Angela Glover, from Brighton, died during the tsunami in Tonga

Speaking outside their mother’s house in Hove, her brother Nick Eleini said the family is "devastated".

However, he confirmed that one of the couple’s five dogs has been recovered.

“I understand that this terrible accident came about as they tried to rescue their dogs,” he said.

"Angela has always had a deep love of dogs and so started an animal welfare charity called Tonga Animal Welfare Society.

"Its aim was to provide shelter and rehabilitation to stray dogs before trying to find homes for them.

"From a little girl, it was always Angela's dream to swim with whales and it was Tonga that gave her the opportunity to fulfil these dreams."

The Argus: Angela Glover, from Brighton, with her husband James Angela Glover, from Brighton, with her husband James

Angela’s husband James was described as a “highly skilled tattooist” by Nick.

"James started a tattoo shop called the Happy Sailor. He employed local Tongans and taught them the skills needed to become tattooists,” he said.

"During their time in Tonga, they have become well loved by locals and expats alike.

"Angela and James loved their life in Tonga and adored the Tongan people, in particular the Tongan love of family and the Tongan culture.”

The tsunami was triggered by an underwater eruption on Saturday, which could be heard more than a thousand miles away in New Zealand.

Aid organisations say up to 80,000 people on the islands could be affected by the disaster, but so far, no other deaths have been reported.

Nick, who lives in Sydney but travelled to Hove to be with his mother Jennifer, previously said that James was able to cling to a tree during the tsunami.

“Angela was unable to do so and was washed away with the dogs. I think four or five dogs,” he said.

"James went back to their proper house on the south coast of the island, but Angela didn't turn up. James contacted the police and the British embassy there, where he was able to notify us of what happened.

"I can't even believe the words are coming out of my mouth, to be honest."