The shockwaves triggered by the undersea volcano eruption in Tonga in the Pacific, reached Cyprus, Kleanthis Nicolaides, Director of Department of Meteorology told CNA.
Speaking to CNA, Nicolaides said that at 22:00 Saturday, the Department’s observation systems in the airports of Larnaca and Pafos recorded an abrupt change in atmospheric pressure, which is under examination by the Department.
He said that at 22:00 local time Saturday atmospheric pressure from 1,011 units rose in a few minutes at 1,012.5 units before declining to 1,009.
“This abrupt change in pressure is the footprint of the shockwave of the undersea volcano eruption in the region of Cyprus,” he said, noting that the shockwaves reached Cyprus and even further to the east.
Replying to a question, Nicolaides said these are unusual phenomena “but it seems that the huge eruption of the undersea volcano triggered the pressure change thousands of kilometres away.”
He added that the shockwave travelled with huge speeds almost a thousand kilometres per hour.
Nicolaides noted however that this eruption will not have any effect in the region of Cyprus pointing out “that the phenomenon has passed last night.”
