Tsunami warnings issued for parts of east coast, Norfolk, Lord Howe and Macquarie Islands

15/01/2022

ISSUED: 15 January 2022 at 9:45pm

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a tsunami warning for parts of the east coast including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania – as well as Lord Howe, Norfolk and Macquarie islands.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano (near Tonga) erupted at 3:10 PM AEDT on Saturday 15 January 2022. Tsunami waves have been observed as a result of the eruption.

The size of these waves means the threat is for the marine environment for the east coast of Australia, and for land on Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island; however the situation will be closely monitored and warnings updated as required.

People in land warning zones are strongly advised to move 1 kilometre inland or go to high ground at least 10 metres above sea level.

While evacuations are not necessary for marine warning zones, people in these areas are advised to leave the water and move away from the immediate water's edge.

Tsunami waves are more powerful than the same size beach waves. There will be many waves and the first wave may not be the largest.

For detailed information about local conditions and tsunami arrival times, please visit http://www.bom.gov.au/tsunami/index.shtml