An underwater volcano explodes off the island nation of Tonga in the South Pacific. Concerns about a tsunami are growing.
Nuku'alofa – The authorities have issued a tsunami warning because of the eruption of an undersea volcano near the island kingdom of Tonga in the South Seas. The Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai threw ash, steam and gas up to 20 kilometers into the air on Friday, the Tonga Geological Survey (TGS) said. People have been urged to stay indoors and wear masks outside. There was no tsunami warning for Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand.
The volcano has been active again and again since December. However, according to TGS, the latest eruption was seven times stronger than the last eruption. The agency also warned of possible acid rain in the region. According to the local weather office, only small tsunami waves of up to 30 centimeters were initially registered. The volcano is about 30 kilometers southeast of Tonga's Fonuafo'ou Island (also known as Falcon Island). (ktho/dpa)