The extent of the damage is not yet known

The Hanga-Tonga-Ha’boy eruption caused a tsunami over Tonga. Local media in the archipelago said the waves had caused flooding, falling on Gray Island and cutting off telephone connections. However, the extent of the damage is not yet clear.

The Australian Meteorological Agency said a 1.2-meter-high tsunami was reported in the Tongan capital, Nuku’aloba. The city is located on the beach. King Dubo VI was expelled, and many of his citizens sought to attain height.

The New Zealand Defense Force says it is monitoring the situation in Tonga and is ready to help. So far, Radio New Zealand has not received any such request.

Authorities in countries including Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand have issued tsunami warnings. People are advised to avoid coastal areas as there may be strong and unusual currents.

“People at or near the sea should stay away from water, beaches and coastal areas and stay away from ports, rivers and estuaries,” the New Zealand agency said.

The volcano is located about 2,000 kilometers northeast of New Zealand. People in the area said they heard explosions on social media. Volcanic eruption photos are also spreading on Twitter.

The volcano also erupted on Friday. The Tonga Meteorological Agency said small tsunami waves of up to 30 centimeters were expected at the time. The volcano erupted several times in December, but on Friday it is said to be seven times more powerful than before.

The volcano is located about 30 kilometers from the island of Fonuapho (also known as the Balkan Islands), which belongs to Tonga.

First pictures

Scenes circulating on social media showed water flowing through a church and several houses, and witnesses said ashes fell on the capital, Nuku’aloba.

According to the Tonga Geological Survey, the volcanic gas, smoke and ash emitted 20 km.

The eruption was so violent that it was heard as a “heavy thunderstorm” in Fiji, 800 kilometers away, officials in the capital, Chua, said. The Fijian government advised residents of low-lying coastal areas to evacuate and opened evacuation centers.

The volcano is located about 2,000 kilometers northeast of New Zealand. People in the area said they heard explosions on social media.