- The massive eruption of a submarine volcano near the island nation of Tonga has triggered tidal waves in the Pacific region.
- Tsunami waves were registered not only in Tonga but also in New Zealand, Japan and Fiji. Flooding in Santa Cruz, California, has also been attributed to the outbreak.
- Most of the tsunami warnings have been lifted. The extent of the damage is not yet known exactly.
Legend:
A white cloud rises over Tonga after the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano erupted.
Reuters
The nearby island kingdom of Tonga seems to be particularly affected by the tidal waves triggered by the eruption of an undersea volcano. Buildings are destroyed, communication is severely disrupted.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Sunday there had been no official reports of casualties or deaths in Tonga. The USA and the United Nations promised help.
The eruption of the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai subsea volcano off Tonga on Saturday had prompted tsunami warnings in many parts of the Pacific. People have been urged to stay away from coastal areas.
Ardern said a tsunami “significantly hit” the north side of Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa. According to the Australian Meteorological Service, the wave was 1.2 meters high. Ardern said boats and boulders washed ashore and buildings were damaged.
Tonga was covered in volcanic dust as a result of the volcanic eruption, and communication links with the island kingdom in the South Pacific were restricted because an undersea cable was damaged. Local media in Tonga reported an ash shower, flooding of houses and disruption of telephone and electricity connections.
New Zealand and the UN want to help
Ardern said authorities are working to restore communications as soon as possible. At the moment you get “unfortunately not much information from the outer islands (…). Tonga’s water supply is a priority. The New Zealand Defense Forces would attempt to launch a surveillance flight on Monday.
Ash was sighted at an altitude of almost 20 kilometers, which is currently making flying unsafe. A naval ship was also put on standby to help if needed. According to media reports, Tonga’s King Tupou VI. brought to safety from the royal palace in the capital Nuku’alofa.
Tidal waves in Japan and New Zealand
As Japanese media reported early Sunday morning (local time), tidal waves of around one meter high were registered on the coast of northeastern Iwate Prefecture and in southwestern Amami. There were initially no reports of damage or injuries. Residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution until the tsunami warning is lifted.
Tsunami waves were also reported from New Zealand, where several boats sank in a Northland marina after a 1.3 meter tidal wave. Save The Children Fiji executive director Shairana Ali said Fiji and Vanuatu were hit by tidal and tsunami waves. There was damage in the coastal areas, but no fatalities.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned”. The UN is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide support. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted: “The United States stands ready to provide support to our Pacific neighbors.”