First tsunami waves pass French Polynesia with no major damage

The tsunami caused by the earthquake in Chile has passed the Marquesas islands in the north of French Polynesia on Sunday, with no reports of major damage.

Residents in Hiva Oa in the Marquesas islands reported at least four big waves pushing in and the sea again retreating, Radio New Zealand International reported on Sunday.

More strong waves are expected to hit French Polynesia, it was reported.

Several waves have also passed other islands in French Polynesia without causing any major damage.

RFO radio in Papeete reported that a wave less than one meter high has passed the east of the Gambier islands.

In Rikitea on the island of Mangareva, several smaller waves are reported to have passed, ranging from 50 to 80 centimeters in height.

In Rapa, the sea was reported to drop and rise about every 30 minutes.

On Tahiti, only small waves were registered.

All road traffic closer than 500 meters to the shore has been forbidden, with police enforcing roadblocks.

People are advised to seek ground at least 10 meters high.

Source:Xinhua