Tsunami Waves Hit Tonga After an Underwater Volcanic Eruption
New Delhi: Tsunami waves hit the largest island of Tonga, Tongatapu, and flooded the capital city of Nuku’alofa on Saturday, January 15, 2022. The tsunami waves crashed after an underwater volcanic eruption occurred in the South Pacific Ocean.
Satellite images showcased shockwaves, smoke, steam, and ashes spread through the ocean due to the eruption. The eruption led to a tsunami in the Oceania region. The Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano erupted on Saturday and led to a series of eruptions.
Though the volcano is about 64 kilometers (40 miles) north of the Nuku’alofa, the eruption was heard as far as Australia and New Zealand.
“A tsunami warning is in effect in the archipelago, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center detected 83 centimeters (2.7 feet) waves,” the Tonga Meteorological Services said. Local broadcasters alerted the residents of American Samoa. The territory-wide church bells rang and warned the residents. No reports of damage or casualties have surfaced so far.
The National Tsunami Warning Center of Alaska issued an advisory for the western coast of the United States, namely California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. The National Emergency Management Agency of New Zealand also issued a tsunami advisory for the Northern coastal areas and the East coast of the North Island and the Chatham Islands. “Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore are expected,” the agency said.
The volcano was declared dormant on January 11, 2021, despite being active till December 20, 2021. Tonga is a country in Oceania with a population of 1,05,000 inhabitants.
(Avya Mathur)
