Authorities say tsunami reached 15 meters in Tonga – News

The Tonga government said this Tuesday (18) that huge volcanic eruption last saturday It caused a 15-meter-high tsunami that caused an “unprecedented disaster” that destroyed homes and killed at least three people.

In its first statement since the eruption of the Hongja Tonga Hung Hapai volcano, the government said that one village was completely destroyed by the wave generated by the eruption, and there were only a few houses in the other areas.

He added that at least three people have died and that the survivors are in temporary shelters.

The Tonga government has sent rescue teams to evacuate people from the worst affected areas, as well as military ships to transport medical personnel, water supplies, food and tents.

The completely destroyed village is located on the island of Manga, with a population of 30, the United Nations has already discovered a request for help.

A 65-year-old woman died at the scene. Another victim is a British woman who died in the capital, Nuku’alofa.

Rescue efforts are hampered by a rupture of a marine communications cable, which has made this Pacific archipelago almost isolated from the world, and also by volcanic ash at the airport, which prevents planes from landing.