China News Service, January 16 (Xinhua) According to a comprehensive report, Japan, Fiji and other countries issued tsunami warnings one after another after a violent eruption of the submarine volcano on Hongaha Apayi Island in Tonga, a South Pacific island country, on the 15th.

There have been no reports of casualties or the extent of damage due to severe disruption to Tonga's communications network.

On January 15, local time, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for the entire west coast of the United States following an undersea volcanic eruption in Tonga.

  The underwater volcano of Hongahaapayi Island erupted violently, triggering a local tsunami.

Large waves then washed ashore, forcing people to evacuate to higher ground.

  Satellite photos show volcanic ash, steam and gas rising above the blue sea of ​​the local Pacific Ocean, with a loud noise that can be heard as far away as Alaska.

The picture shows the eruption of Tonga volcano taken by the Japanese meteorological satellite "Himawari-8".

  Tsunami warnings were issued for most of the Pacific Rim, including countries such as Japan and Fiji, as well as Hawaii, Alaska and the Pacific coast of the United States.

The USGS estimated that the eruption triggered an earthquake equivalent to a magnitude of 5.8.

  United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement on the 15th expressing concern about the tsunami and volcanic ash affecting Tonga, as well as the tsunami warning issued by many countries.

The statement also noted that UN offices in the Pacific are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide support upon request.

  The UN website also said there were no reports of casualties or the extent of damage due to severe disruptions to Tonga's communications network.

  According to the Associated Press, Tonga got its internet through a submarine cable from Suva, Fiji, that may have been damaged.

Doug Madory, director of internet analytics at cyber intelligence firm Kentik, said all internet connections to Tonga were lost around 6.40pm local time.