Tonga Has Issued Another Tsunami Warning Following A Volcano Explosion
- Global News
NMMABUNDA
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Tonga Has Issued Another Tsunami Warning Following A Volcano Explosion.
After a powerful eruption of a volcano on Tonga’s Hunga Ha’apai island, roughly 65 kilometers north of the capital city Nuku’alofa, the country issued another statewide tsunami warning on Saturday afternoon.
The NSW State Emergency Service ordered the evacuation of low-lying areas of Lord Howe Island shortly before midnight. According to 9news
There is a “concern of catastrophic land inundation, flooding, deadly rips, waves, and powerful ocean currents,” according to the BoM.
“If you’re on the northern end of the island, go to the corner of Anderson Road and Middle Beach Road; if you’re on the southern end, go to the Golf Club House Carpark.”
“Tsunami waves are more strong than beach waves of comparable magnitude. There will be several waves, and the first one may not be the biggest.”
The situation is being closely monitored by Australian officials.
“Tonga is a member of our Pacific family, and our sympathies are with the entire community as it deals with the aftermath of the volcano explosion and tsunami,” the government said in a statement late Saturday.
“The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister are keeping an eye on the situation, and Australia stands ready to assist Tonga if necessary.
“Initial evaluations are still being completed, and DFAT is trying to ensure that Australians in Tonga are safe and secure.
Due to the active volcano, all domestic flights in Tonga were canceled on Saturday.
Meanwhile, due to strong currents and dangerous waves caused by volcanic eruptions in Tonga, the Mineral Resources Department of Fiji has recommended the people, particularly those in low-lying coastal areas, to stay out of the sea and away from the coastline.
Tsunami waves from the volcanic eruptions are affecting the whole Fiji coastline, according to the department.
The Tongan volcano is part of the Tonga-Kermadec Islands volcanic arc, a subduction zone that stretches from New Zealand to Fiji in the north-northeast.
