Due to an underwater volcano which erupted at Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai in Tonga, a number of villages in the Lau Group of Islands experienced a tidal surge on Saturday evening.

Villages in Vanuabalavu including Mavana, Yavea, Mualevu and Malaka had seawater entering their homes.

For Moala Island, villagers from Vunuku and Naroi evacuated to nearby schools as water rose and entered their homes.

Videos and photos uploaded on Facebook showed these islands affected by the tidal surge.

Roko Tui Lau

Roko Tui Lau, Joji Kalounivalu said that on Saturday, a few villages from Moala, Ono-i-Lau, Vatoa, Moce and Vanuabalavu experienced sea water entering their houses.

He said villagers witnessed birds that were usually out at sea flying inland.

As of yesterday morning, they were able to get in contact with the villagers who said water levels have receded.

“Villages were able to be evacuated to schools. In Lomaloma Village, seawater entered the hospital, tomorrow they will start cleaning the area,” Mr Kalounivalu said.

He said villagers were still at the evacuation centres.

“They want to be sure that they are not caught off guard if a tidal surge happens at night.

“For now, we are monitoring the situation and will continue to keep in contact with the villagers.”

Emosi Keresoni from Naroi, Moala in Lau said the tidal surge receded at 11pm on Saturday.

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