Tonga: Rush to safety after undersea volcano eruption triggers tsunami warning

15 January 2022, 09:43 | Updated: 15 January 2022, 10:36

White gaseous clouds rising from the Hunga Ha'apai eruption
White gaseous clouds rising from the Hunga Ha'apai eruption. Picture: (Photo by Mary Lyn FONUA / AFP) (Photo by MARY LYN FONUA/AFP via Getty Images)

By Will Taylor

An undersea volcano's eruption in Tonga has caused people to flee to safety as a tsunami warning was issued.

The Pacific country's meteorological service issued an alert for the entire nation, which spans more than 100 islands.

Video shows people rushing to get to safety, the sea engulfing buildings and large waves crashing into the shore.

King Tupou VI was evacuated from his palace, near the shore, by a convoy of military and police personnel, the Islands Business news site said.

Social media users posted footage of a loud bang, describing it as an eruption, while a Tongan news site said scientists observed explosions, thunder and lighting near the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcano when it began erupting, while satellite images showed ash, steam and gas gathering in a plume that stretched for three miles.

"Can literally hear the volcano eruption, sounds pretty violent. Stay safe everyone," said Dr Faka’iloatonga Taumoefolau on Twitter.

Tsunami alert after Tonga volcano erupts

Posted by Potungaue Koloa Fakaenatula on Friday, January 14, 2022

"Raining ash and tiny pebbles, darkness blanketing the sky."

Nearby Fiji has told people to stay away from the coast because of strong currents and dangerous waves, while New Zealand officials – 1,400 miles away – warned of storm surges following the volcanic eruption.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Exclusive
A small group of secondary school pupils working on practical experiments in a chemistry lab.

Ministers should consider shortening school holidays and letting teachers work from home, union chief says

JD Vance

Free speech is 'in retreat' across Europe, claims JD Vance - as US brands it a 'bigger threat than Russia'

oxford street with shoppers

Two arrested in Oxford St 'celebrity romance scam' after victims coerced into sending £200k to 'well-known boyfriends'

What if Ukraine were the UK? Could you accept surrendering a fifth of our country to Putin after so much sacrifice?

What if Ukraine were the UK? Could you accept surrendering a fifth of our country to Putin after so much sacrifice?

Most expensive pint revealed.

Most expensive pint in UK pubs revealed

One of the UK's 'most wanted' men sentenced to 12 years in prison after drug dealer evaded police for four years

One of the UK's 'most wanted' fugitives jailed for 12 years after drug dealer hunted down by police in Portugal

Anne Hodgson, 87, and Olwyn Smith, 82, with Dreamboy Max Hunter

Care home residents 'delighted' at male stripper visit

Police at the scene on the Broadway in Stratford

Three men stabbed in east London after 'large brawl' breaks out - with one arrested

The Met Office has issued a weather warning.

Snow and ice could cause disruption tomorrow, as Met Office issues yellow weather warning

Hostages (L-R) Sasha Trufanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn,

Hamas confirms names of Israeli hostages due for release on Saturday

Danielle McLaughlin's killer Baghat was finally found guilty today

Indian man is found guilty of raping and murdering Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin in a field in Goa

Starmer welcomes Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, to Downing Street

Starmer tells Zelenskyy Ukraine remains on 'irreversible path to NATO membership' as leaders share phone call

Kayaker Adrian Simancas after being briefly swallowed by a humpback whale

Kayaker breaks silence over 'terrifying' moment he was swallowed whole by humpback whale - then spat back out

William and Kate shared the sweet snap for Valentine's Day

Princess Kate and Prince William share sweet snap to mark Valentine's Day

67th GRAMMY Awards - Arrivals

Kanye West and Bianca Censori shut down ‘split’ rumours as they plan Valentine’s Day together

Pope Francis

Pope Francis to be admitted to hospital for bronchitis treatment