Tsunami hits Tonga after giant volcano eruption

 

Tsunami waves caused by a giant underwater volcanic eruption have hit the Pacific nation of Tonga on Saturday. Videos posted on social media showed large waves washing ashore in coastal areas.

The Tonga Meteorological Services issued a tsunami warning for all parts of Tonga. The situation led residents scrambling to higher ground. Reportedly, the volcanic eruption did not hurt or injure anyone. The volcano eruption which took place in the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai island was heard across the South Pacific.

Authorities in nearby Fiji also issued a warning. The authorities told people to avoid the shoreline because of the strong underwater waves. The initial eruption lasted at least eight minutes. Subsequently, satellite images showed a huge eruption, a plume of ash, steam and gas into the air. Reportedly, authorities also warned residents to cover water collection tanks in case of acidic ash fall.

Victorina Kioa of the Tonga Public Service Commission said that people should be away from areas of warning. The official also said to avoid low-lying coastal areas. The head of Tonga Geological Services Taaniela Kula urged people to stay indoors. Kula also advised people to wear masks because of the plume of ash, steam and gas into the air.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a "tsunami advisory" for American Samoa. New Zealand’s military said it was monitoring the volcanic eruption. Australia was also monitoring the situation.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)  issued a warning for some parts of Australia's east coast. The tsunami warning was issued for Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania. A tsunami warning was also issued for Lord Howe, Norfolk and Macquarie islands of Australia.

The officials also issued warnings for the eastern state of New South Wales. The officials told people to move away from the immediate water's edge. The Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs were also monitoring the situation.