Satellite Captures Dramatic Tsunami-Triggering Volcanic Eruption in South Pacific

The volcanic eruption sent a huge wave of water crashing onto the South Pacific island and triggered warnings as far away as the US West Coast.
There was a mushroom of smoke and ash in the air when the latest eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai happened.

A wave measuring 1.2 meters (4 feet) was observed in Nuku'aloFA, according to Australia's Bureau of Meteorology.

This afternoon, after the volcano eruption, there were videos of the waves in Tonga.
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Jese Tuisinu is on January 15, 2022.

The undersea volcano erupted, sending water surging into her home, as she was getting ready for dinner.

The ground shook and our house was shaking. It came in waves. My younger brother thought there were bombs in the area.

She saw the wall of the neighboring house collapse after water flooded their home.

We knew it was a disaster. There is water in our home.

"You could hear people screaming for safety, for everyone to get higher ground."

Police took King Tupou VI to a villa away from the coastline after he was evacuated from the Royal Palace.

The volcano's eruption lasted at least eight minutes and sent a huge amount of ash, gas, and smoke into the air.
The eruption came just a few hours after a previous warning was lifted on the island, so residents in coastal areas were urged to head for higher ground.

Keep away.

The island is 65 kilometers north of the capital Nuku'aloFA.

The latest eruption was so intense that it was heard as loud thunder sounds in the country more than 500 miles away.

There were warnings for a swathe of coastline, including Australia, where authorities said a swathe of coastline could be hit by waves.

People were told to get out of the water and move away from the edge of the water.

The entire US West Coast was put on a warning, while the waves caused flooding in Hawaii.

The US National Weather Service advised people to leave harbors and marinas because of the predicted waves of up to two feet.

Residents were warned to cover their water collection tanks.

"People should not go to areas of warning which are low-lying coastal areas, reefs, and beaches," said Victorina Kioa of the commission.

People were urged to stay indoors, wear a mask, and cover their rainwater harvesting systems by the head of the Geological Services.

Agence France-Presse.