(Dan Tri) – All houses on a small island of Tonga were destroyed after a volcanic eruption caused a 15 m high tsunami last weekend.
Tonga suffered heavy damage after the volcanic eruption and tsunami on January 15 (Photo: EPA).
Reuters quoted information from the Office of Tonga Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni on January 18, saying that the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano on January 15 caused a tsunami up to 15 m high, causing all houses on the island to collapse.
Prime Minister Sovaleni’s office added that at least 3 people were determined to have died, including a 65-year-old woman living on Mango Island, a 49-year-old man on Nomuka Island and a British citizen.
Sources said, a 15-meter-high tsunami hit the Ha’apia island group and the west coast of Tonga’s main island Tongatapu.
The most intense volcanic eruption of the 21st century, like an `atomic bomb` in Tonga
Rescue work is being carried out urgently, but is facing many difficulties due to the destruction of infrastructure in Tonga and the communication system is still disrupted.
Currently, assessment of damage caused by volcanoes and tsunamis in Tonga relies mainly on reconnaissance flights.
`Everyone ran away in panic. It’s possible there will be more casualties, but we hope that doesn’t happen,` Mr. Tuihalangingie said.

Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano spewed smoke and dust on January 7, about a week before the violent eruption (Photo: Reuters).
The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted on January 15.
Through research on satellite images as well as past experience, scientists say the violent undersea volcanic eruption off the coast of Tonga could cause long-term damage to the environment such as acid rain,