An underwater volcano has exploded off the island nation of Tonga in the South Pacific.
Tonga’s most significant island Tongatapu has been hit by Tsunami and reportedly sent waves surging into the capital. On Saturday, an underwater volcano in the South Pacific exploded in a spectacular explosion, blasting a cloud of ash and gas into the atmosphere.
Tidal waves with a height of around 60 centimeters were also measured. There is also a risk of tidal waves and dangerous sea currents along the beaches and ports for the US territory of American Samoa. Lower-lying coastal areas could be flooded, it said. People have been asked to leave the shores.
The Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano has erupted repeatedly since 2009. The explosion on Saturday was filmed by several satellites.
News site Matangi Tonga reports that scientists observed massive explosions, thunder, and lightning near the volcano. Accordingly, satellite images show a five-kilometer-wide cloud of ash, steam, and gas that rose up to 20 kilometers into the air.
New Zealand is on high alert
Not only in Tonga itself but also more than 2300 kilometers away, in New Zealand, the authorities warned of storm surges as a result of the outbreak. The National Disaster Management Agency said “strong and unusual currents and unpredictable coastal storm surges” are expected in some parts of New Zealand.
People in South Pacific flee from Tsunami after volcano erupts. In the Pacific state of Tonga, a tidal wave has flooded numerous houses in the island’s capital. The coast should also be avoided in Fiji, Vanuatu, and Australia.
Tonga volcano triggers tsunami warning
After the volcanic eruption and a tsunami in the island nation of Tonga, a tsunami warning was issued for the west coast of the United States on Saturday. “Get away from beaches, harbors reefs, all flat lengths of the coast, and marinas,” the American Weather Service recommended to coastal residents from California to Alaska.
“The ground shook”
“The ground shook, the whole house shook. It came in waves. My younger brother thought there were bombs going off near us,” Tonga native Mere Taufa told Stuff. A few minutes later, water entered her house, and she saw the wall of a neighboring house collapse.
