The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for the Amami Islands and the Tokara Islands in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima early on Sunday.

A tsunami advisory is also in place in wide areas along the Pacific coast.

These alerts came after the massive eruption on Saturday of a volcano in Tonga.

The agency says waves up to 3-meters high could reach Japan.

A 1.2-meter tsunami was observed in the Kominato area of Amami Ohshima Island at 11:55 p.m. on Saturday.

A 90-centimeter tsunami was observed on Sunday in Kochi Prefecture's Tosashimizu City at 0:23 a.m.

Waves of that height have also been seen in other locations along the Pacific coast.

Even if one tsunami has reached a shore, others could follow. Higher waves may arrive after the initial ones.

The meteorological agency is urging people to remain vigilant in the coastal areas, where tsunami alerts have been issued. It is also urging residents to evacuate as soon as possible, to stay away from beaches, and to avoid the mouths of rivers.

A video taken in Setouchi Town on Amami-Oshima Island shows many cars trying to get to higher ground. Inside are people evacuating from their homes.