Tonga: Tsunami threat from volcano eruption recedes; coastal areas to remain under alert

tsunami threat from a powerful underwater volcanic eruption near Tonga has passed, a monitoring group said on Sunday. According to BBC, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) said that tsunami threat around Pacific from huge undersea volcanic eruption has receded. But, group also ded that coastal areas should remain alert for strong or unusual currents. 

"Based on all available data, tsunami threat from this volcanic eruption has now passed," PTWC said, ding authorities at "impacted coastal areas should monitor... to determine when it is safe to resume normal activities".

On Saturday, satellite images showed massive eruption, which sent tsunami waves crashing across shore and people rushing to higher ground. According to reports, a sonic boom was also heard as far away as Alaska. eruption cut internet to Tonga, leaving friends and family members around world trying to get in touch to figure out if re were any injuries and extent of damages. 

No official reports of injuries or deaths

Following incident, New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern informed that re h not yet been any official reports of injuries or deaths in Tonga. However, she also cautioned that authorities h not yet me any contact with some coastal areas and smaller islands. Ardern said that communication with Tonga remains very limited. 

New Zealand PM said re h been significant damage to boats and shops along Tongan coastline. capital, Nuku’alofa, was covered in a thick film of volcanic dust, Ardern said. Separately, aid agencies stated that thick ash and smoke h prompted authorities to ask people to wear masks and drink bottled water. 

severity of any casualties or property damage is still unknown. Even official government websites and or information remained without updates, Associated Press reported. Tsunami visories were earlier issued for Japan, Hawaii, Alaska and US Pacific coast. tsunami was triggered by explosion of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano, which is located around 30 kilometres souast of Tonga's Fonuafo'ou island and 65 kilometres north of Nuku'alofa. volcano initially erupted on Friday, spewing a cloud of ash and gaseous vapour 20 kilometres into air. A second eruption happened at 5:26 pm (local time) on Saturday, according to RNZ. 

Image: AP