Satellite images captured the terrifying moment when a huge underwater volcano erupted off the coast of Tonga causing a terrifying tsunami.
2.7-foot waves swept the streets of the Pacific nation, as locals climbed to higher ground, after the violent eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or the extent of damage after the island of 105,000 inhabitants will be plunged into darkness by the volcanic explosion.
The images published on social networks showed large waves breaking on the coastline in coastal areas, swirling around houses and buildings.
The eruption was so intense that “loud thunder” was heard in Fiji over 500 miles away, authorities said.
The New Zealand Army said it was monitoring the situation and remained on standby and ready to assist the nation.
Satellite images from space showed the massive eruption, which lasted at least eight minutes and sent plumes of gas, ash and smoke miles into the air.
The Tonga Meteorological Services said a tsunami warning was in effect for all of Tonga, as the island’s capital is only 40 km north of the volcano.
Tonga Geological Survey chief Taaniela Kula urged people to stay indoors, wear a mask outside and cover water reservoirs in case of acid rain.
A Twitter user posted a video showing waves hitting the shoreline.
“Literally I can hear the eruption of the volcano, it sounds quite violent. Raining ashes and small pebbles, darkness covers the sky”, he pointed out.
The Matangi Tonga news site said scientists had seen massive explosions, thunder and lightning near the volcano after it began erupting on Friday morning.
The site said satellite images showed a three-mile-wide plume of ash, steam and gas rising 12 air miles.
More than 1,400 miles away in New Zealand, authorities warned of storm surge from the eruption.
The National Emergency Management Agency said parts of New Zealand could expect unusual strong currents and unexpected surges on the coast following the major volcanic eruption.
The authorities of the nearby nations of Fiji and Samoa also issued urgent warnings, telling people to avoid the coast due to strong currents and dangerous waves.
Australian authorities issued similar warnings, with officials saying a swath of the coastline, including Sydney, could be affected by tsunami waves.
A tsunami warning is in effect for the entire Pacific coast of the US and Hawaii, after a massive undersea volcanic eruption triggered a 7.4 Richter magnitude earthquake near Tonga.
“A tsunami capable of producing strong currents that can be dangerous to bathers, ships and coastal structures is expected,” the National Weather Service said in a news bulletin on Saturday morning.
“If you are in this coastal area, stay away from the beach and the ports and marinas. Do not go to the coast to see the tsunami. Be attentive to the instructions of the local emergency officials”, the agency warned.