credit:bloomberg.com
The Pacific island of Tonga experienced a large volcanic eruption Saturday followed by a tsunami that flooded parts of the capital, Nuku'alofa
credit:aljazeera.com
credit:theguardian.com
The volcano had some intermittent activity through December last year
The surge wave reached a height of 2.7 feet (83 centimeters) in Nuku'alofa, according to the US-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
credit:wion
Tonga's King Tupou VI had been evacuated from the Royal Palace as many Tongans tried to get to higher ground
credit:theguardian.com
credit:independent.co.uk
A previous eruption on Friday sent plumes of ash and smoke into the air, with smoke clouds extending up to 20 kilometers (12 miles) into the atmosphere.