Volcanic eruption in the Pacific: “Not much information” from some islands

The effects of the volcanic eruption near Tonga were felt as far away as California. But what damage tidal waves and ash caused in the island state itself is still not clear. There is no information from several islands.

Even the day after the eruption of a submarine volcano in the Pacific, it is still not clear how extensive the damage is in the island nation of Tonga. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Sunday there had been no official reports of injuries or deaths.

The Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano in the Tonga region erupted on Saturday. That had led to tsunami warnings in many parts of the Pacific. Ardern said the north side of Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, was “severely hit”. According to the Australian Meteorological Service, the tidal wave here was about 1.2 meters high. According to reports from local media, houses were flooded.

Undersea cable damaged

The volcanic eruption also blanketed Tonga in volcanic dust. According to Ardern, communication links with the island kingdom in the South Pacific are restricted because an undersea cable was damaged. Unfortunately, there is “not much information” about “the outer islands”.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned”. The UN is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide support.

Floods in California

The state of Tonga has around 100,000 inhabitants and is located almost 2400 kilometers north-east of New Zealand. It consists of more than 170 islands, of which just over 30 are inhabited. The volcano is located about 30 kilometers southeast of Fonuafo’ou Island (also known as Falcon Island).

The volcanic eruption also had an impact thousands of kilometers away. Flooding in Santa Cruz, California, has been attributed to the outbreak. New Zealand, Japan and Fiji registered tsunami waves on their shores.

Ash on Fiji Islands

Several boats capsized in ports in New Zealand. Save The Children Fiji executive director Shairana Ali said Fiji and Vanuatu were hit by tidal and tsunami waves. There was damage in the coastal areas, but no fatalities.

According to authorities, ash also fell over parts of Fiji, around 600 kilometers from the volcano. People have been warned to protect water supplies, stay indoors and wear a mask when going outside.

Tidal waves also in Japan

A tsunami warning had also been issued in Japan. Around 210,000 residents had meanwhile been asked to visit hills. Tidal waves of around one meter high had previously been recorded on the coast of northeastern Iwate Prefecture and in southwestern Amami. There are no reports of damage or injuries from Japan.

After volcanic eruption in Tonga – unrest also in Japan

Kathrin Erdmann, ARD Tokyo, 16.1.2022 5:58 a.m