BEACHES across the east coast of Australia, including those in Port Stephens and the Myall Coast, were closed and on high alert all day Sunday, following the dramatic eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai undersea volcano near Tonga.

The volcanic event, at 3:10pm AEDT on 15 January, followed a number of smaller eruptions last week, putting both pacific-island communities and many pacific rim countries, including Australia, under warning of tsunami activity.

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A tsunami threat to the marine environment was issued by the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) at 8:45pm AEDT15 January.

Whilst there was no immediate concern for significant land inundation along the regions coastline and evacuation orders were not required, the eruption generated a high risk of dangerous rips, larger waves and strong currents.

Despite the eruption occurring over 3,500 km from our shore, the combined magnitude and the limited understanding of the impact of volcanic events on tides, made it necessary to issue the marine threat alert.

The offshore islands of Lord Howe and Norfolk Island were issued higher alerts and experienced some increased wave activity of over 1m.

Port Stephens life savers responded to the warning that resulted in beach closures along the coast.

Speaking to News Of The Area, Glen Dunkley, Duty Officer, Hunter Surf Lifesaving said, “The Surf Life saving response covered the patrolled beaches at Fingal, Birubi and One Mile, as well as providing presence at other unpatrolled beaches around Port Stephens.

“Our key message is that the beach-using public should always follow directives to stay out of the water until such time as a warning is lifted.”

Despite large crowds attending the beaches in the area, the large majority did remain out of the water.

The warning was lifted late Sunday evening.

The beach closures and warnings follow one of the busiest starts to the year for Surf Life Saving NSW, with 197 rescues, 6,923 preventative actions and 24 emergency incidents in the first three days of 2022.

By Jane CROCKER