South Pacific: Tsunami alert issued by several island states after volcanic eruption in Tonga

LAST UPDATE: 11:07

An underwater volcano erupted in Tonga today, prompting several South Pacific island states to issue tsunami warnings, and images of waves hitting residents’ homes were posted on social media.

Tsunami waves were observed in the capitals of Tonga and American Samoa, according to the US Tsunami Warning Center.

The eruption at 06.10 Greek time of the submarine volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Hapai, about 65 kilometers north of Nuqualofa, the capital of Tonga, caused a 1.2 meter tsunami, according to the Australian Meteorological Service. The agency said it was continuing to monitor the situation but no tsunami alert was issued for Australian territory.

83-centimeter tsunami waves were recorded by meters in Nuqualofa and waves of about 60 centimeters in Pango Pago, the capital of American Samoa, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Authorities in Fiji have issued a tsunami alert, urging residents to avoid coastal areas “due to strong currents and dangerous waves”.

Fiji One journalist Jesse Tuisinu posted a video on Twitter showing big waves reaching the shores, with citizens trying to get away in their cars. “It’s really dark in some areas of Tonga and people are trying to find safe haven after the explosion,” he said.

The U.S. tsunami alert was then issued for U.S. Samoa. According to the service, tsunami waves of about 60 cm in height were observed on meters located at sea level in the American capital Samoa after the volcanic activity in Tonga.

In New Zealand, the National Emergency Management Agency issued a warning for rising sea levels on the north and east coasts, noting that strong and unusual currents as well as unpredictable waves are expected in some areas.

On Friday, the volcano erupted, spewing ash and gas at a height of 20 kilometers, according to a post by the Tonga Geological Survey on Facebook.

Source: AMPE