[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The Hawaii Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) announced that the threat of a Pacific-wide tsunami caused by an underwater volcanic eruption near Tonga in the South Pacific has disappeared.
According to AFP on the 16th (local time), PTWC stated, "Based on all available data, the tsunami threat caused by the volcanic eruption is considered to have disappeared," and "Coastal authorities affected by the tsunami threat should monitor the situation and determine when it is safe to resume normal activities."
Earlier, the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tsunami warning on the 15th for California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. The weather agency forecasted that the tsunami warning applied from southern California to the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, with wave heights reaching up to 60 cm. It also warned of strong rip currents (backwash) and coastal flooding, advising people to "stay away from beaches, ports, and harbors."
Beaches and piers throughout southern California were closed. Residents at Santa Cruz Harbor in California secured their boats in the harbor and prepared for the tsunami, with no immediate damage reported, according to AP News.
British Columbia in Canada also issued a tsunami warning and restricted access to beaches.
A tsunami warning was issued for American Samoa, a U.S. territory in the eastern South Pacific islands near Australia, prompting coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground; the warning has since been lifted.
The Japan Meteorological Agency also forecasted a tsunami up to 3 meters high between Okinawa and Kyushu, issuing evacuation orders to approximately 230,000 people across seven prefectures nationwide.
Earlier, Tonga authorities issued a nationwide tsunami warning after a volcano located 65 km north of the capital Nuku?alofa erupted.
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