A One-in-1000-Year Underwater Volcano Erupted on the Weekend

The effects were felt more than 9,000 kilometres away.

A huge volcano erupted off the coast of Tonga on the weekend that shook the island nation for several minutes, according to the ABC.

CNN reported that the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano first erupted on Friday and then again on Saturday afternoon.

The 'sonic boom' of the blast was heard from Fiji (800 kilometres away) all the way to Alaska (more than 9,000 kilometres away).

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption was heard here in Alaska starting around 3:30 a.m. - 6,000 miles from the volcano! Infrasound measurements from the @alaska_avo confirm that it was indeed coincident with the volcanic pressure wave. Special thanks to Dr. David Fee. pic.twitter.com/Wp4tnwiaud

— NWS Alaska Region (@NWSAlaska) January 15, 2022

Thankfully, New Zealand authorities have not received any reports of deaths or injuries, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Sunday.

So, what exactly happened?

Tsunami Warnings

The eruption occurred about 30 kilometres southeast of Tonga's Fonuafo'ou island, causing a tsunami to hit the island of the capital, Tongatapu, flooding roads and damaging boats.

Tsunami warnings were triggered throughout the Pacific, including in New South Wales, Queensland and along the east coast where some of the highest tsunami waves in 60 years were recorded. But don’t worry, these have now been downgraded.

The violent eruption a few hours ago of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano captured by satellites GOES-West and Himawari-8. pic.twitter.com/PzV5v9apF6

— Wonder of Science (@wonderofscience) January 15, 2022

Other islands, as well as New Zealand, Japan and America, were also affected by tsunami warnings and advisories. In Vanuatu, authorities reported waves of up to 2.5 metres high.

Mass Evacuations and Cancellations

According to the ABC, ten boats capsized in southern Japan and dozens of flights were cancelled across the country.

Hundreds of thousands of people across eight different prefectures in Japan were also advised to evacuate after the eruption.

Bondi Beach even had to be evacuated and beaches across the rest of NSW were closed.

What now?

The extent of the damage is still not known as communications to Tonga are still cut, but there is the possibility more eruptions could be expected this week.

Australia will partner with New Zealand, who have committed an initial $340,000, to support the island nation’s recovery with supplies.

Header Image: RF._.studio via Pexels.