(CNN)A tsunami warning has been issued for the islands of Tonga after an underwater volcano within the South Pacific exploded in a violent eruption on Saturday, sending a cloud of ash and gasoline steam into the air.
The Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano first erupted Friday, sending a plume of ash 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) into the air, according to CNN affiliate Radio Sleek Zealand (RNZ).
A 2d eruption hit on Saturday at 5: 26 p.m. local time, RNZ reported.
Satellite image reveals a gigantic ash cloud and shockwaves spreading from the eruption. Waves from the eruption crossed the shoreline of Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, flowing onto coastal roads and flooding properties, according to RNZ.
The volcano is positioned about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) southeast of Tonga’s Fonuafo’ou island, according to RNZ.
As neatly as to the tsunami warming, Tonga’s Meteorological Companies contain issued advisories for heavy rain, flash flooding and solid winds in lands and coastal waters.
The nearby island of Fiji has also issued a public advisory asking other folks residing in low mendacity coastal areas to “shuffle to security in anticipation of the solid currents and harmful waves.”
An earlier tsunami warning issued for American Samoa has since been canceled, according to the NWS Pacific Tsunami Warning Heart.
The volcano had been energetic from December 20, nonetheless become as soon as declared dormant on January 11, according to RNZ.
