Waves associated with the continuous volcanic eruption at Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai in Tonga crashed into Tonga’s largest island Tongatapu and forced residents to evacuate their homes.
A former Fijian journalist, Iliesa Tora, in his facebook live video said explosions were heard and black clouds of smoke seen in the sky followed by abnormal tidal movements and large waves.
He said a similar incident had occurred several years ago but was not of the same magnitude.
“Something similar happened seven years ago, but it wasn’t this bad,” he said.
Tora said his family and others were advised to move to higher grounds by local authorities.
“An explosion erupted from underneath the sea near Ha’apai and we were given a tsunami warning,” Tora added.
“All the roads in Nukualofa have been busy as authorities try to move us to a safer place.”
Tora said extrusive igneous rocks showered through the area while they drove to safety.
“Small rocks from the volcanic eruption started to fall like rain as a result of what happened.”
