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An underwater volcano erupted spectacularly in the Pacific Ocean near Tonga state sending huge waves crashing along the coast.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, as communication with the small nation remained problematic.
A video posted on social media showed huge waves pouring ashore in coastal areas, circling around houses and buildings.
The New Zealand Army said it was monitoring the situation and remains on standby to assist if required.
Satellite images showed a huge explosion, a plume of ash, steam, and gas rising like a mushroom over the Pacific’s four waters.
Tonga Meteorological Services said a tsunami alert was in effect for the entire archipelago, and data from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center showed that 80-centimeter waves had been detected.
Residents of American Samoa were alerted to the tsunami warning by local broadcasters, as well as church bells that rang across the territory.
Authorities in the nearby island states of Fiji and Samoa also issued warnings, urging people to avoid the coastline due to strong currents and dangerous waves.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said there could be a slight bounce of water along the Japanese coast but it was not expected to cause any damage. The Islands Business news site reported that a column of police and military troops evacuated King Tupou VI of Tonga from his palace off the coast.
In late 2014 and early 2015, a series of eruptions in the area created a small new island and disrupted international air travel in the Pacific archipelago for several days. Tonga is home to about 105,000 people./REL
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