Satellite view of the islands of Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Wallis and Futuna.
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An undersea volcano erupted spectacularly near the Pacific nation of Tonga on Saturday, sending huge waves crashing ashore and people rushing to higher ground.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or extent of damage as communication with this small country remains problematic. Video posted on social media showed large waves washing up on the shore, rolling into homes and buildings.
The New Zealand Army said it was monitoring the situation and remained on standby, ready to assist if required.
Satellite images show a large eruption. The Tonga Meteorological Department said a tsunami warning was in effect for the whole of Tonga. Authorities in the nearby island nations of Fiji and Samoa also issued warnings, advising people to stay away from the coast due to strong currents and dangerous waves.
Islands Business news site reported that a convoy of police and military vehicles evacuated King Tupou VI of Tonga from his palace near the shore. He was among the many inhabitants headed for higher ground.
The Hunga Tonga Volcanic Explosion Hunga Ha’apai is the latest in a series of spectacular eruptions.
A Twitter user identified as Dr Faka’iloatonga Taumoefolau posted a video showing waves crashing against the shore.
“Can literally hear the eruption of the volcano, which sounds pretty intense,” he wrote, adding in a later post: “Rain of ash and small pebbles, darkness blanketing the sky. “
Earlier, the Matangi Tonga news site reported that scientists had observed large, thunderous explosions near the volcano after it began erupting early on Friday.
The website says satellite images show a plume of ash, water vapor and gas rising into the air about 5 kilometers (3 miles) long and up about 20 kilometers (12 miles).
More than 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles) away in New Zealand, officials warned of storm surge from the eruption.
The National Emergency Management Agency said some areas of New Zealand can expect “strong and irregular currents and unpredictable shoreline surges following a major volcanic eruption.”
Late on Saturday, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the threat to American Samoa appeared to have passed, although minor disturbances at sea could continue.
The volcano is located about 64 km (40 mi) north of the capital Nuku’alofa. Back in late 2014 and early 2015, a series of eruptions in the area created a new small island and disrupted international air travel to the Pacific Islands for several days.
Tonga is home to about 105,000 people.
