Tsunami reaches Japan; Tonga volcanic eruption felt around the world

Concerns mount for Tonga

Pacific nations and humanitarian groups struggled to establish communications with Tonga on Sunday after a tsunami triggered by a massive volcanic eruption cut telephone and internet connections, raising concerns for the tiny island nation.

Internet and phone lines went down at about 6.40 pm local time on Saturday, leaving the 105,000 residents on the islands virtually uncontactable.

There were no reports of injuries or deaths as yet but communications were limited, said Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Satellite images captured the volcanic eruption on Saturday as the explosion sent plumes of smoke into the air. The sky over Tonga was darkened by the ash.