National Board for Disaster Management New Zealand (NEMA) issued a warning tsunami after an underwater volcanic eruption in Tonga.
NEMA expects coastal New Zealand on the north and east coasts of the North Island, as well as the Chatham Islands to experience unexpected waves, and unusually strong currents.
“We issued a national warning: tsunami activity after the Tonga eruption,” NEMA tweeted on Saturday (15/1).
“We expect coastal New Zealand on the north and east coasts of the North Island and the Chatham Islands to experience strong and unusual currents and unexpected tidal waves on the coast.” he continued.
The agency appealed to people at sea to stay away from coastal areas, ports, rivers and estuaries at least until tomorrow, Sunday (16/1) at 04.00 am local time.
“There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, small boats and anyone in or near inshore waters,” he said. NO, on its website.
NEMA said the tsunami threat should be considered real until the warning was lifted. However, NEMA said there was no need to evacuate unless advised by local civil defense authorities.
The Tongan government had previously issued a second tsunami warning in two days following the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano, at noon, Saturday (15/1). However, the warning was lifted around noon today.
“We live in Kolomotu’a near the sea so we have already left. We are in the car and jammed every way. Please pray for us and our safety,” one Tongan said on Twitter.
There were also reports on social media of explosions being heard in Fiji and Samoa. But so far, there have been no warnings in either region or New Zealand.
“A volcanic explosion has just erupted and people are already evacuating to higher ground than possible tsunami waves,” wrote another.
Anthony Browne was in Fiji when the eruption occurred in Tongo. According to him, the explosion was still heard and felt as far as Nadi, Fiji.
“Over the past hour there has been continuous explosions with constant rumbling, windows rattling and doors rattling.”
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