A national tsunami marine warning issued at 11:12am today, Fri. January 14, warns Tongans to stay away from coastal areas, after swirling abnormal tides drew crowds to the Nuku'alofa waterfront in the last hour. Tonga Geological Services stated that a volcanic eruption is forecasted to be imminent with significant emission of ash into the atmosphere likely, following new activity observed at the Hunga volcano 65km off Nuku'alofa this morning.
The Tsunami Marine Warning was issued by the National Tsunami Warning Centre (Tonga Meteoroglical Services). Unusual tide activity was also reported in Ha'apai.
Tonga Police are currently patrolling the seafront Vuna Road in the capital and using loud speakers to ask people to move away to higher ground.
“Based on the abnormal tide observation reported from the town officer of Mango island and the Nuku’alofa marine and ports and its relevant to the ongoing volcanic eruption in the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai area, A TSUNAMI MARINE WARNING IS NOW INFORCE FOR TONGA.
“Public are advised to keep away from low lying coastal areas, reefs and beaches. Mariners out at sea are advised to prepare to move to deep water.” the warning centre advised. (See full notice Below).
Facebook user Api Ko Olotaane posted a video of the swirling tide, attracting a crowd on Vuna Road at the Domestic Wharf swimming pool area.
Meanwhile, the Tonga Geological Services is forecasting what could be a significant eruption at Hunga Tonga - Hunga Ha'apai after renewed activity was observed from about 4:20-4:30am this morning. The following notice was posted on their Facebook page :
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Fakatokanga Peau Kula ki he matāfanga ‘o Tonga
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Fika: 01
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Taimi tuku atu: 11:12am ‘aho 14 Sanuali 2022
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Ne mapuna ha mo’unga afi pea ko hono fua eni:
Taimi ne hoko ai: -
Latitute: 20.54 faka-Tonga, Longitute: 175.38 Faka-Hihifo
Loloto: 0km
Malohi: -
Feitu’u: Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai
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Fakatokanga ki ha Peau Kula ki he ngaahi Matafanga
(Ko e Fakatokanga kotoa pe ‘oku tuku atu mei he Va’a Vakai Matangi ‘a Tonga ko e totonu ia ‘o e Fakatokanga ki Tonga)
KO E SENITA FAKAFONUA KI HE FAKATOKANGA PEAU KULA ENI ‘OKU FAKAHOHA’A.
Tupu mei he fetoo’aki ‘a e tahi ‘i hono lipooti mei he ‘ofisa kolo ‘o Mango pea mo e poate taulanga ‘I Nuku’alofa pea mo ‘ene felave’i ki he mo’unga afi ‘oku lolotonga mapuna ‘I he ‘elia ‘o Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai ‘OKU TUKU ATU HENI HA FAKATOKANGA PEAU KULA KI HE KOTOA NGAAHI MATAFANGA E ‘OTU TONGA NI
Ko e fale’I ki he kakai e fonua ke mavahe mei he ngaahi mataafanga pea mo e ngaahi matatahi. Ki he kau folau tahi ‘oku ‘i tahi, ‘oku fale’i ke mou nga’unu ki he loloto ‘o mama’o mei he hakau mo e ngaahi matātahi.
Ko e fakamatala peau kula hoko ‘e tuku atu ia ‘i he vave taha ‘i ha’amau ma’u ha fakamatala fo’ou fekau’aki mo e anga e tu’u e tahi mo e mapuna ‘a e mo’unga afi. Fakafanogo ki he letio Tonga.
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Tsunami Marine Warning for Tonga
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No: 01
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Issued at 11:12am on 14 January 2022
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A volcanic eruption has occurred with these parameters:
Origin time: -
Coordinates: Lat: 20.54 Lon: 175.38W
Depth: 0km
Magnitude: NIL
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Tsunami Marine Warning Summary
(Only Warnings issued by the Tonga Meteorological Service represent the official warning status for Tonga)
THIS IS THE NATIONAL TSUNAMI WARNING CENTRE.
Based on the abnormal tide observation reported from the town officer of Mango island and the Nuku’alofa marine and ports and its relevant to the ongoing volcanic eruption in the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai area, A TSUNAMI MARINE WARNING IS NOW INFORCE FOR TONGA.
Public are advised to keep away from low lying coastal areas, reefs and beaches. Mariners out at sea are advised to prepare to move to deep water.
The next bulletin will be issued as soon as new information is received. Listen to Radio Tonga.
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NEOC Status:
The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) is activated and remains on standby.
Normal NEOC contact details apply:
General Enquiries: (676) 26340
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Issued by:
Message authorized by the Tonga Meteorological Service
General Enquiries: (676) 74 00062 or (676) 35 009
Duty Officer: LF/GV/VF/NH/SIV/ST
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