Japan Meteorological Agency Lifts Tsunami Warning for South Pacific Volcanic Eruption

Residents in Japan are evacuating to higher ground due to a tsunami warning. (Photo by Reuters, Yonhap) [Image source: Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Taemin] The Japan Meteorological Agency lifted the tsunami advisory related to the underwater volcanic eruption in Tonga in the South Pacific at 2 p.m. on the 16th.

According to NHK, the Japan Meteorological Agency judged that the possibility of further sea level rise (tide) due to the Tonga volcanic eruption has decreased, and lifted the tsunami advisory covering Okinawa. However, the agency urged caution along the Pacific coastal areas as sea level changes may continue for some time.

Earlier, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued successive tsunami warnings and advisories mainly for the Pacific coastal areas starting from 12:15 a.m. on the 16th. The agency warned that tsunamis up to 3 meters high could occur on some southwestern islands.

The highest tsunami observed in Japan was 1.2 meters at Kominato (小湊), Kagoshima (鹿兒島) Prefecture, followed by 1.1 meters at Kuji (久慈) Port in Iwate (岩手) Prefecture, with sea level changes around 1 meter recorded nationwide.

Although no casualties have been confirmed in Japan due to this tsunami, material damage occurred, including fishing boats and small vessels capsizing at Muroto (室戶) Port in Kochi (高知) Prefecture. Additionally, evacuation orders were issued to about 230,000 residents in eight prefectures including Iwate. Train services in some areas, including the JR Joban (常磐) Line running between Sendai (仙台) Station in Miyagi Prefecture and Shinchi (新地) Station in Fukushima Prefecture, were temporarily suspended.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.