Status: 01/15/2022 11:39 AM
Authorities issued a tsunami warning after an underwater volcano erupted in the Pacific state of Tonga. The volcanic eruption sent ash, steam, and gas up to 20 kilometers into the air.
A tsunami warning has been issued for the region due to the eruption of an underwater volcano in the Pacific state of Tonga. The Tonga Geological Survey (TGS) said the Hongga-Tonga-Hongga-Hapai ship threw ash, steam and gas up to 20 kilometers into the air. People were urged to stay indoors and wear masks outside.
Fiji has also issued a warning. Authorities said staying on the coast should be avoided because of the dangerous waves.
Smaller tidal waves have been recorded
Smaller tsunamis were recorded in Tonga, the US mainland in American Samoa and some nearby areas, according to the US Tsunami Warning Center. It would have had a height of about 60 to 80 centimeters. A TV reporter from Fiji posted a video on Twitter showing smaller waves hitting the beach and people scrambling for safety in their cars. The warning for American Samoa was lifted shortly thereafter.
The Australian Meteorological Service even reported a tsunami of 1.2 metres. However, no warning has been issued to Australia. Storm warnings have been issued for New Zealand, more than 2,300 km from Tonga.
The volcano has been active repeatedly since December
According to media reports, the volcano erupted on Friday. The Matangi Tonga news website reported that scientists observed massive explosions, thunder and lightning nearby. The islands Business Facebook news site reported that King Tupou VI. Tonga to safety from his palace near the coast.
The volcano has been active repeatedly since December. However, according to TGS, the latest eruption was seven times more powerful than the last eruption. The agency also warned of possible acid rain in the region. The volcano is located about 30 kilometers southeast of the island of Fonuafo’ou in Tonga (also known as Falcon Island).
