The threat of further tsunamis across the Pacific following Saturday's massive underwater volcanic eruption near Tonga has subsided, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC). On Sunday, the PTWC stated that while the immediate danger has passed, coastal areas should remain vigilant for strong or unusual currents.
The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano, located about 65km north of the capital Nuku'alofa, sent waves over a metre high crashing into the island. Social media footage showed water inundating a church and several homes, and traffic jams as residents fled low-lying areas.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern reported that Nuku'alofa is covered in a thick layer of volcanic dust, but conditions are otherwise calm. She noted that boats and large boulders had been washed ashore. Communications with Tonga remain severely limited, and New Zealand plans to send an air force reconnaissance aircraft on Monday morning to assess the damage, provided it is safe to do so.
No injuries or deaths have been reported in Tonga so far. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed deep concern over potential damage and offered US support. The eruption, which sent plumes of gas, smoke, and ash 20km into the sky, was heard across the South Pacific and as far away as the US. In Japan, a 1.2m tsunami was recorded on Amami-Oshima Island.
