Emergency Management B.C. issues tsunami advisory for parts of coast following volcanic eruption near Tonga

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      An undersea volcanic eruption in the Pacific Ocean has people scrambling for higher ground along B.C.'s coastline.

      Emergency Management B.C. issued a tsunami advisory for four coastal regions due to high waves from the volcano, which was near the island nation of Tonga.

      The country is an archipelago of more than 170 islands in the South Pacific Ocean.

      There have been no reports of injuries.

      The tsunami advisory applies to the North Coast and Haida Gwaii; the Central Coast, including Kitimat and Bella Coola, and northeast Vancouver Island's coast, including Port Hardy; the outer East Coast of Vancouver Island from Cape Scott to Port Renfrew; and the Juan de Fuca Strait from Jordan River to Greater Victoria, including the Saanich Peninsula.

      "People in coastal areas that are at risk are advised to stay away from the shoreline and heed instructions from local authorities," the tsunami advisory states.

      It notes that people must not go to the shore to observe the tsunami and not return to the coast until local emergency officials say it's safe to do so.

      "Boat operators: where time and conditions permit, move your boat out to sea to a depth of at least 180 feet; if at sea avoid entering shallow water, harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets to avoid floating and submerged debris and strong currents," Emergency Management B.C. states on its website.

      Waves are expected to arrive at Langara at 8:30 a.m. and Tofino at 8:50 a.m.

      An advisory means that strong currents are likely. The highest level is a "warning", which entails a full evacuation rather than simply staying away from the shore.

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