Tonga tsunami alert as underwater volcano eruption causes large waves to hit island
A tsunami alert has been issued by the Pacific nation of Tonga after an underwater volcano erupted.
Video posted on social media platforms showed large waves washing ashore in coastal areas.
Authorities in nearby Fiji also issued a warning, telling people to
avoid the shoreline due to strong currents and dangerous waves.
Tsunami
waves of 2.7ft (83 cm) were observed by gauges at the Tongan capital of
Nuku'alofa and waves of 2ft at Pago Pago, the capital of American
Samoa, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.
It is the latest in a series of spectacular eruptions from the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcano.
Dr Faka'iloatonga Taumoefolau posted footage on Twitter showing water crashing on to the shore and flooding properties.
"Can literally hear the volcano eruption, sounds pretty violent," he wrote.
A convoy of police and military troops reportedly evacuated Tonga's
King Tupou VI from his palace near the shore as residents headed for
higher ground.
Scientists had observed massive explosions, thunder
and lightning near the volcano after it started erupting early on
Friday, the Matangi Tonga news site reported.
The site said satellite images showed a three-mile wide plume of ash, steam and gas rising up to 12-miles into the air.
More than 1,400 miles away in New Zealand, officials were warning of storm surges from the eruption.
The
country's national emergency management agency said it expected "strong
and unusual currents and unpredictable surges" to hit the north and
east coast of the North Island and the Chatham Islands.
New Zealand weather forecasting company Weather Watch posted on Twitter: "The energy release is simply astonishing.
"Tonga is around 2,000km away from New Zealand. Reports of people hearing the sonic booms across New Zealand."
