Asia

Videos: Tsunami Hits Tonga After Powerful Undersea Volcanic Eruption

A tsunami alarm was declared for all of Tonga after a series of powerful eruptions from the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano, which is located 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) southeast of Tonga's Fonuafo'ou Island.
Sputnik
Powerful waves hit the island nation of Tonga on Saturday, coming ashore, reaching the capital of Nuku'alofa and washing through people's homes. Multiple videos, purportedly depicting the massive eruption and subsequent tsunami ravaging the island, have since erupted online.
Satellite images also show a giant ash cloud and shockwaves spreading from the eruption. In addition to the tsunami warning, the country's meteorological services have published advisories for heavy rain, flash flooding, and storms.
In the meantime, other countries in the region have issued a tsunami warning, including Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand.
New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency issued a national advisory of tsunami activity, saying that people in or near the sea should move out of the area, off beaches and shore areas at least until Sunday.
The agency has said there is no need for evacuations in other areas unless directly advised by authorities.
Previously, the climate website Hauraki Gulf Weather stated that the surge wave had reached a height of 80 centimetres (31 inches) in Tonga, as parts of the country's capital suffered from flooding. The series of powerful eruptions raised concerns in the region, as Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai spewed ash and steam up to 17 km into the air.
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