WELLINGTON Jan. 15 (UNA): An undersea volcano erupted spectacularly near the Pacific nation of Tonga on Saturday, sending a large tsunami that crashed across the shore and sent people to higher ground. A tsunami warning was in effect for Hawaii, Alaska and the US Pacific coast.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or the extent of damage as communications with the small island nation remained cut off hours after the volcano erupted, according to the Associated Press.
In Hawaii, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported waves hitting shore from half a meter (ft) in Noelweli, Kauai, to 80 cm (2.7 ft) in Hanalei.
In Tonga, a video posted on social media showed big waves crashing ashore in coastal areas, swirling around homes and buildings.
The New Zealand military said it was monitoring the situation and remained on alert and ready to assist if requested.
Satellite images showed a massive eruption, and a plume of ash, steam and gas billowed like mushrooms over the blue Pacific waters.
A tsunami warning has been announced for the entire archipelago, Tonga’s meteorological services said, and data from the Pacific Tsunami Center showed waves of 80 centimeters (2.7 feet) were detected.
In Hawaii, Alaska and along the US Pacific coast, residents have been asked to move away from the coast to higher ground and heed specific instructions from local emergency management officials, said Dave Snyder, tsunami warning coordinator at the National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska.
He said the waves that did hit shore in Hawaii were below more severe tsunami warning standards, with measurements at 80 centimeters (2.7 feet) in Hanalei and Maui.
Waves of about 91 cm (3 ft) or higher may trigger a warning.
Snyder said they are currently expecting waves of 30 cm (1 ft) to 61 cm (2 ft) along the Pacific coast.
Earlier, Matangi Tonga news website reported that scientists noticed massive explosions, thunder and lightning near the volcano after its eruption began early Friday.
Satellite imagery showed a 5-kilometre (3-mile) wide plume rising into the air about 20 kilometers (12 miles).
More than 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles) away in New Zealand, officials have warned of storm surge from the eruption.
The National Emergency Management Agency said some parts of New Zealand could expect “strong, unusual currents and unexpected eruptions on shore after a major volcanic eruption”.
The volcano is located 64 kilometers (40 miles) north of the capital, Nuku’alofa. In late 2014 and early 2015, a series of volcanic eruptions in the area created a new small island and disrupted international air travel to the Pacific archipelago for several days.
Tonga is home to about 105,000 people.
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