The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano, located 65 kilometers away from the capital, Nuku’alofa, was followed by tsunami alarms which sent frantic local residents scrambling for higher ground. The shockwave was so massive it is claimed it was even heard in the United States. The satellite footage looks as if it was a special effects scene in a Rolan Emmerich movie.
Of course, observing this frighteningly majestic natural phenomenon from such distance makes you forget the human suffering it will cause. Already many parts in the small Polynesian kingdom are experiencing total blackouts, and the videos taken with cell phone cameras are quite jarring.
If you can, please contact the International Red Cross or other NGOs who will soon be organizing relief funds for the people of Tonga.
