A new tsunami warning is now in force for all of Tonga following this evening’s violent volcano eruption.
A tsunami wave struck Tongatapu after locals were urged to seek higher ground.
It came shortly after locals in Tongatapu reported âdeafeningâ sound of an eruption this afternoon. They also reported stones pouring down on Tongatapu.
No injuries or deaths have been reported.
Our correspondent in Tonga Patimiosi Ngƫngƫtau shared a photo of sea waves flowing inland.
He described the deafening sound as âweirdâ.
âIt was a rain of small black stones and black ashesâ, he said.
He said they have evacuated to Liahona at the central south.
Ngƫngƫtau said ash not only covered vehicle screens but their impact sounded like they could break the screens.
Tonga Geological Services said at 1.45pm this afternoon satellite images captured this morning between showed volcanic eruption continues, with ash emitted and detected at 7.20am this morning.
âThis ash plume was due to an eruption that lasted 10 â 15 minutes and was drifting downwind to the east from Hunga. No further eruption has been detected since thenâ, it said.
âNearshore water turbulence caused by the eruption is expected to have ceased for all shores of Haâapai and Tongatapu islands. It is advised that the public observe currents before entering the water.
âOwners of rainwater harvesting systems in all Tonga are advised to check for ashfall on your roofs for ash before reconnecting your guttering systems.
âPlease clean if ashfall is evident. For locations of residents where the pungent smell of sulphur or ammonia is experienced please use breathing masks if helpfulâ.
