Fire and Emergency Services Authority (F.E.S.A.) did not receive any reports of people in danger or properties being damaged following last Saturday’s volcanic eruption in Tonga.

F.E.S.A. Commissioner Tanuvasa Petone Mauga – who was accompanied to a press conference on Monday by the N.E.O.C. Chairman, Agafili Shem Leo and Meteorology Division Assistant C.E.O. Afaese Dr. Luteru Tauvale – told the media that the authority received calls from Satupa’itea and Vaito’omuli in Savai’i around 7pm on Saturday night.

“By the time our responders arrived the villagers had already evacuated themselves,” he said.

“Based on what they reported back, our team saw some debris on the road and observed water inside some of the fale Samoa [Samoan traditional house] or some of the residences located near the sea.”

For some of the Savai’i villagers, the sea level rise on Saturday evening was unprecedented, added Tanuvasa.

The authority also received calls from Upolu villages which also led to them dispatching officers to investigate.

“We also responded to some calls in Upolu from Lefaga, Safata, Siumu and also Falealili, we sent out firefighter officers to assist the situation and also report back.”

Asked if they received any reports of major damage to homes following the eruption, Tanuvasa and Agafili said they had no knowledge of such information. There were also no reports of injuries or lives lost at sea as a result of the eruption.

Tanuvasa then appealed to the public to continue to exercise caution and to take heed of all warnings or advisories that are issued.

Samoa cancelled its tsunami advisory on Monday morning, though the M.E.T. assured that it is monitoring ongoing volcanic activities in Tonga. 

The tsunami advisory issued by the M.E.T. was canceled 6.34am Monday, though authorities urged the public to exercise caution as the volcanic eruptions in Tonga continue.

“The Tsunami Advisory previously in effect for Samoa is now canceled,” the M.E.T. statement on its Facebook page reads.

“However, it should be mentioned that the ongoing volcanic eruptions in Tonga may continue to cause powerful waves and further strong surges in the coming hours/days.

“Locations that have previously been calm can suddenly experience unpredictable surges. 

“In addition, the combination of the effects of the present unstable weather and already-heightened sea levels with related surges from the Tonga eruption has the potential to create hazards that have not previously been experienced. 

“Therefore, the general public is advised to remain cautious and continue to take extreme care in and around the water as there may be sea-level changes and strong unusual currents may persist. 

“The Meteorology Division will continue to monitor the situation in Tonga and will provide regular updates if conditions warrant.”