A tsunami warning is now in force for all of Tonga following this evening's violent volcano eruption.
There are reports of sirens ringing across Nukualofa and police are asking people to move to higher ground.
RNZ Pacific's Finau Fonua has spoken to his mother who says that a major eruption occurred at 5.20pm, lasting about eight minutes and rattling windows and sending ash into the air.
Tidal waves crossed the Nuku'alofa shoreline and coastal roads and flooded properties.
A witness saw a car floating.
An eruption yesterday prompted a tsunami warning, with waves of up to 30 centimtres. That warning was lifted this morning.
More to come on this developing story
The Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai underwater volcano on Friday, January 15, 2022. Photo: Tonga Geological Services