The National Tsunami Warning has issued an advisory for Hawaii and parts of the US West Coast after an undersea volcano erupted near Tonga on Saturday.
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In a statement, officials said those who live close to beaches, harbors and other areas near the coast should start heading towards inland or uphill. On Saturday, the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted and caused powerful waves crashing toward the main island, Tongatapu.
Officials said the eruption lasted for 10-15 minutes and sent ash plumes at approximately over 8 miles high as reported by NBC News.
1.14.2022: (correction on date) Large volcanic eruption near Tonga (Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano) today as seen from outer space. Shown on visible imagery using the Himawari satellite. #hiwx #tsunami #earthquake pic.twitter.com/Y18W7wvXl9
— NWSHonolulu (@NWSHonolulu) January 15, 2022
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There were also warnings of storm surges in New Zealand after officials said the country could expect “strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore.” A tsunami warning was also issued in parts of Australia and other countries in the Pacific region.