Archive image of the eruption of an underwater volcano off Tonga, taken on March 18, 2009
Photo: LOTHAR SLABON/ AFP
According to the US Tsunami Warning Center, a volcanic eruption in the South Pacific island nation of Tonga triggered a tsunami in the region.
Tidal waves with a height of around 60 centimeters were measured, the authority said on Saturday.
There is also a risk of tidal waves and dangerous sea currents along the beaches and ports for the US territory of American Samoa.
Lower-lying coastal areas could be flooded, it said.
People have been asked to leave the beaches.
The Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcano has erupted repeatedly since 2009.
The explosion on Saturday was filmed by several satellites.
The eruption can even be seen on an overall picture of the globe.
News site Matangi Tonga reports that scientists observed massive explosions, thunder and lightning near the volcano.
Accordingly, satellite images show a five-kilometer-wide cloud of ash, steam and gas that rose up to 20 kilometers into the air.
Not only in Tonga itself, but also more than 2300 kilometers away, in New Zealand, the authorities warned of storm surges as a result of the outbreak.
The National Disaster Management Agency said "strong and unusual currents and unpredictable coastal storm surges" are expected in some parts of New Zealand.
him/Reuters/AP
