Tsunami hits Pacific coast of Japan after volcanic eruption in Tonga

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) - Following a massive underwater volcanic eruption in the Pacific country of Tonga, Japan was hit with a tsunami in its Pacific coast late Saturday, local media reported.

A 1.2-meter tsunami was observed in the city of Amami, while a 1.1-meter tsunami arrived in Iwate Prefecture, according to Kyodo News.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that a 3-meter tsunami may hit some of Japan's southwestern islands.

While there were no reports of injuries or major damages, the agency said a small tsunami of less than 1-meter was observed across a wide area of the country's Pacific coast.

Authorities in southwestern islands Kagoshima Prefecture and northeastern coastal areas urged residents to move away from the seaside.

The Tsunami Warning Center of US National Weather Service has issued a tsunami warning for the western coast of US and Canada after the volcanic eruption hit Tonga.

The volcano, located 65-kilometers north of Tonga capital Nuku'alofa, had begun spewing ash, steam and gas Friday morning.