Tonga King Evacuated from Palace Following Tsunami Threat

Tsunamis hit Hawaii, Japan, and Tonga after an underwater volcano in the South Pacific erupted violently on Saturday.

Local media reports revealed that Tonga's King Tupou VI was evacuated from the palace following the volcanic eruption.

https://twitter.com/BNONews/status/1482513278408572937

The eruption caused a severe tsunami on Tongatapu, where the capital is located, with waves flowing onto coastal roads and flooding properties on Saturday, according to CNN affiliate Radio New Zealand (RNZ).

https://twitter.com/crnintl/status/1482548362943606784

Up till now, New Zealand authorities have not received any reports of deaths or injuries due to the eruption, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern affirmed at a news conference on Sunday.

Ardern said the tsunami had a "significant impact" on Nuku'alofa, with boats and large boulders washed ashore, and shops along the coast damaged.

Satellite imagery showed a huge ash cloud and shockwaves spreading from the eruption. Phone connections were down in the capital.

Furthermore, RNZ reported that residents fled for higher ground as waves swept the waterfront, main street and grounds of Tonga's Royal Palace.