5 February, 2026, 4:30 pm Central - 27°C Rain

Former Fijian journalist pleads for prayers as they move to high ground for safety after tsunami warning issued in Tonga

Former Fijian journalist pleads for prayers as they move to high ground for safety after tsunami warning issued in Tonga

By Iva Danford
15/01/2022
Former Fijian journalist, Iliesa Tora

Former Fijian journalist, Iliesa Tora and his family and other residents living on the coastlines of Nukualofa in Tonga are currently moving to higher ground for safety after an earthquake and a tsunami warning was issued after the volcanic eruption.

In a facebook live video, Tora is pleading to all Fijians to pray for them and the people that are also moving.

He says they are currently stuck in a huge traffic jam.

Tora says volcanic ash was everywhere in the ocean and in the air.

He says they have been told to go to an elevated area called Pili.

Tora says they heard about 10 explosions which was one after another, and there was black smoke in the sky.

Tora says straight after that, there was a sea-level rise and they saw big waves.

He says this morning, the authorities had cancelled the tsunami warning that was issued yesterday.

Tora adds that now all the people living for Niuua right up until Tongatapu have been told to move to higher ground.

He says a similar incident occurred 7 years ago but it was not as dangerous as what they are experiencing now.

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