Coastal areas in several countries flooded after underwater volcanic eruption in Pacific

The underwater volcanic eruption in the Pacific Ocean near the island nation of Tonga triggered huge waves over turning boats and submerging coastal areas of several countries.

In New Zealand, several coastlines along the Pacific had damaged piers and boats as the volcanic eruption sent waves crashing into the shore.

In the waters off Japan's southwestern prefecture of Kochi, toppled or submerged boats drifted in a local port after reports of tsunami waves as high as 31 inches

Dozens of people have evacuated their homes in Japan as a tsunami advisory was put in place after waves hit Tonga.

A 1.2 metre-high (3.9 feet) tsunami wave was recorded in Amami, a southern Japanese island, around midnight Saturday.

A tsunami alert initially issued for the region and northern prefecture of Iwate has since been downgraded.

Also watch: Volcano erupts near Tonga, islanders rush to escape tsunami

The event also prompted tsunami advisories and evacuations along the U.S. West Coast, where beaches closed and surges of water flooded harbours and low-lying coastal areas.