WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – An undersea volcano erupted in spectacular fashion near the Pacific nation of Tonga yesterday, sending large 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. The Tonga Meteorological Services said a tsunami warning was in effect for Tonga. Authorities in the nearby Fiji and Samoa also issued warnings, telling people to avoid the shoreline due to strong currents and dangerous waves.
The Islands Business news site reported that a convoy of police and military troops evacuated Tonga’s King Tupou VI from his palace near the shore. He was among the many residents who headed for higher ground. The explosion of the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano was the latest in a series of eruptions.
Earlier, the Matangi Tonga news site reported that scientists observed massive explosions, thunder and lightning near the volcano after it started erupting on Friday. The site said satellite images showed a five-kilometre-wide plume of ash, steam and gas rising up into the air to about 20 kilometres.
Over 2,300 kilometres away in New Zealand, officials were warning of storm surges from the eruption. The National Emergency Management Agency said some parts of New Zealand could expect “strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following a large volcanic eruption”.
