World
Tsunami hits Tonga after underwater volcanic eruption
Tsunami waves caused by a giant underwater volcanic eruption have hit the Pacific country of Tonga.
Social media footage showed water washing through a church and several homes, and witnesses said ash was falling over the capital, Nuku’alofa. The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano was heard across the South Pacific, reportedly as far as New Zealand and Australia.
Tonga’s capital lies just 65km north of the volcano, on the country’s main island of Tongatapu.The plumes of gas, smoke and ash pouring from the volcano reached 20km into the sky.
Tsunami warnings have been issued in Fiji, Vanuatu and Australia, while New Zealand has started taking precautions for the same.
