Tsunami Strikes Tonga After Major Volcano Eruption

On January 14 around 0410 GMT an eruption of an underwater volcano an estimated 40 miles north of Nuku’alofa, Tonga resulted in a 1.2 meter (4-foot) tsunami to strike the island.

Tsunami warnings then soon came for Fiji, New Zealand, US West Coast, parts of Alaska and even the Hawaiian islands who reported waves coming in.

Waves of 2.7 feet and 2 feet were reported in various parts of the Tongan capital, Nuku’alofa and Pago Pago, the American Samoa capital.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology is continuing to monitor the situation.