Strong surges in the far north of New Zealand that accumulated from remnants of a tropical cyclone in the Pacific and Tonga's volcanic eruption prompted evacuations and caused boats to sink overnight.
Yesterday, a tsunami warning for the north and east coasts of the North Island was issued after underwater volcano Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai erupted and triggered a tsunami in the Kingdom.
The advisory has this morning been extended to the west coast of the South Island.
Police said emergency services received a number of calls from people based in the far north between 11pm and 12am, including Te Rere Bay and Shipwreck Bay.
Northland Civil Defence spokesperson Murray Soljak said more than 120 people through the far north were evacuated last night due to the powerful waves.
Police, Fire and Emergency, and Coastguard also assisted with evacuations of boats moored at Tūtūkākā Marina last night.
A number of boats and moorings were damaged by large waves washing ashore.
He said damage caused to boats in Tūtūkākā Marina last night were due to a single wave, however, surges along the coast are continuing at regular intervals. Some of the vessels broke loose from their moorings due to the incoming surge of water.
[Photo: www.msn.com]
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