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January 18, 2022

Volcano Erupts Near Tonga, Devastating Islands and Triggering Pacific Tsunamis 
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In the South Pacific, an underwater volcano erupted Saturday near the
archipelago nation of Tonga, blanketing islands with volcanic ash,
severing communications and sending people rushing to higher ground as a
four-foot tsunami crashed into Tonga's capital. At least three people
are dead, but the toll is expected to rise sharply amid early reports
that Tonga's small outer islands suffered catastrophic damage.

Saturday's eruption triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific,
striking Japan, the western United States and Peru, where waves
triggered an oil spill that polluted beaches near Lima.


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