Tsunami brings flooding to Australia

A tsunami generated by a 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile has hit beaches in eastern Australia, witnesses and officials said, but there were no initial reports of damage.

Australia issued an alert overnight for most of its east coast, and for eastern parts of the island state of Tasmania.

But the national tsunami warning centre said there were no concerns about major inundation, only foreshore flooding and strong currents which could pose a risk to swimmers or boats.

Chris Ryan, co-director of the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre, told Reuters that residents in low-lying parts of offshore Norfolk Island had been evacuated as a precaution but he was not aware of any other evacuations in Australia.

Ryan said more waves could be expected later in the morning. The 'marine warning' level of threat issued by the centre corresponded to anticipated waves of half to one metre above the normal level of the sea at that time, he said.

Although the tsunami also hit Pacific island nations, there were no initial reports of major damage.

- Reuters