“Violent” volcanic eruption in the Pacific triggers widespread tsunami alerts and evacuations.
A powerful eruption from the undersea Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano near Tonga has sent tsunami waves crashing ashore, forcing residents to flee to higher ground. Satellite images captured the scale of the eruption, with a massive plume of ash and smoke rising into the sky and casting a dark haze over the island nation.
The US-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported waves as high as two feet hitting the capital of Tonga as well as American Samoa. The Tonga Meteorological Services quickly issued a tsunami alert, putting the entire island nation on high alert.
The eruption marks one of the most significant volcanic events in recent history for Tonga, with authorities urging residents to exercise extreme caution and remain at safe elevations until further notice.