The Pacific archipelago of Tonga has just experienced a dangerous tsunami after an underground volcano erupted. Residents were warned to swiftly flee to higher ground as waves swirled around homes and other buildings. They were pelted with ash and pebbles as they ran.
The eruption was so enormous that the plume of smoke and ash could be seen from orbit. Communications with the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa 41 miles north of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano have ceased. New Zealand monitors the situation and is prepared to move quickly to assist in rescue efforts.
The volcano has rumbled for weeks and had a few smaller-scale eruptions. The majority of Tonga's surface area is flat, and there is very little high ground for refuge.
Nick Perry from the AP writes:
WELLINGTON, New Zealand —
An undersea volcano erupted in spectacular fashion near the Pacific nation of Tonga on Saturday, sending large tsunami waves crashing across the shore and people rushing to higher ground.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or the extent of the damage as communications with the small nation remained problematic. Video posted to social media showed large waves washing ashore in coastal areas, swirling around homes and buildings.
New Zealand's military said it was monitoring the situation and remained on standby, ready to assist if asked.
Satellite images showed a huge eruption, a plume of ash, steam and gas rising like a mushroom above the blue Pacific waters.
Samoa and Fiji were issued warnings, but it appears they have escaped the worst impacts. Unusual currents have been observed in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Advisories were posted for the Hawaiian Islands and the west coast of the United States.
Waves crossed the shoreline of Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa, on Saturday, flowing onto coastal roads and flooding properties, according to CNN affiliate Radio New Zealand (RNZ).Tonga's King Tupou VI was evacuated from the Royal Palace after the tsunami flooded the capital, RNZ reported, citing local media reports that a convoy of police and troops rushed the monarch to a villa at Mata Ki Eua.Residents headed for higher ground, RNZ said, as waves swept the palace grounds, waterfront and main street.In addition to the tsunami warning, Tonga's Meteorological Services have issued advisories for heavy rain, flash flooding and strong winds in lands and coastal waters.The nearby island of Fiji has also issued a public advisory asking people living in low lying coastal areas to "move to safety in anticipation of the strong currents and dangerous waves."A tsunami advisory is also in effect for the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, according to its National Disaster Management Office, with residents advised to move away from the coastline and seek higher ground.
A tsunami advisory has been issued for the United States west coast.
Local journalist Mary Fonua told New Zealand’s 1News the country had had “a very frightening hour” following a series of “huge explosions” at the volcanic island 65 kilometres away.
Ms Fonua described seeing “this long white wave... coming from the horizon.
“After about three waves it had come over the road and into our garden, and our car was washing against the front post.
“The waves have continued to come in,” she said.
She was concerned that the waves were heading towards a low-lying settlement housing “thousands of people” on a narrow peninsula.
But she said warnings in recent days, including from police with loudspeakers, had kept people out of the water.
Tsunami expert Andrew Gissing, general manager of Risk Frontiers, said while the volcano’s recent activity had resulted in a marine tsunami warning on Friday, the eruption on Saturday “seems much bigger” and it appeared the waves had hit the central business district.
“There are hotels, lots of shops nearby and eateries right by the water,” he said. “So there are certainly concerns. The key thing is the volcano is active, and there could be further eruptions.”
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