Volcano

NZ scientist piecing together Tonga's volcanic eruption

Water supply and agriculture were affected in the fallout from the eruption and the explosions of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai could be heard as far away as New Zealand and Alaska. 

It is now known to be the largest volcanic explosion ever recorded - double that of the next largest, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines more than 30 years ago.

 Professor of Volcanology at the University of Auckland, Shane Cronin has examined ash from the explosion, video footage and aerial images. 

Shock waves from Tonga eruption caused tidal surges

The Japan Meteorological Agency’s study group said in a draft report compiled 15 March that the tidal surges differed from those generated by a strong offshore earthquake.

It noted that disturbances in the atmosphere were detected after the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano around 1 pm. on 15 January.

The resulting air pressure waves reached near the Honshu main island, about 8,000 kilometers from the volcano, around 8:40 p.m., according to an analysis of images captured by Japan’s Himawari weather satellite.

Loto’i Tonga, the heart of a Tongan, coming together in unity and as a family

The Wellington Tonga Leaders' Council sourced two 40ft containers to carry these much needed essentials back to the Kingdom of Tonga.

The General Manager of the Council, Tae Moala-Mafi Tu'inukuafe, said the support towards the Tongan community has been overwhelming.

"We have been supported by the Porirua City Council, Taeaomanino Trust, Whanau Manaaki Kindergarten, and Victoria University, which has been amazing, led by Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban."

Pacific online banking activity increases during lockdowns and Tongan tsunami and eruption

ANZ has seen a 30-percent increase in Pacific internet banking customers, which comes after Samoa and Kiribiti's nationwide lockdown, and recent Tonga events.

Banking has been unaffected by recent riots in the Solomon Islands.

ANZ banks in the Pacific are operational, in-line with government requirements with banks in Samoa back open tomorrow.

ANZ Regional Executive for the Pacific, Tessa Price said people can still access money in Tonga from their bank online or via ATM.

Anxious wait for news after Tonga cut off

The underwater volcano erupted on Saturday, about 65km (40 miles) north of the capital Nuku'alofa.

The eruption, which was heard as far away as the US, caused waves higher than a metre to crash into Tonga.

Local authorities have not confirmed any deaths but communications are crippled, making it difficult to establish the scale of the destruction.

However, the brother of a British woman said she died after being swept away in the waves. Angela Glover, 50, was washed away while trying to save her dogs.

PIF reaches out to Tonga following devastation by volcano and tsunami

Puna said like the rest of the Forum family, he is shocked by the volcanic eruptions in Tonga.

“Even from the relative safety of Suva, we could feel and hear the eruptions which rocked the Kingdom and large parts of the region to its core.”

Puna said he is anxious about the safety and welfare of the people of Tonga and pledge the resources of the Pacific Islands Forum to Tonga.

He will try and speak with the Prime Minister once communications have been restored.

Underwater volcano Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai erupts again

There is a tsunami warning in place for all the islands of the Kingdom of Tonga as the volcanic activity affects coastal water levels - with people advised to stay out of the water and away from the coast.

People on all islands in Tonga are advised to stay out of the water and away from the coast.

There are no warnings in place for Fiji, Samoa or New Zealand.

The maximum tsunami wave has been recorded in Nuku'alofa tide gauge at 12:30pm and was about 30cm and the fluctuation of the sea level is currently observed.

Tonga volcano threat declines says geologist

There was an explosive eruption on December 20th when gaseous emissions, including acidic dust and ash, reached altitudes of 16 kilometres

Tonga's head of geology Taaniela Kula said it's now safe to reconnect rainwater harvesting systems in the country.

"The volcano had gradually slowed down. The last detection of volcanic ash in the atmosphere was within eight kilometres above the volcano."

Kula said the volcano continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

Tonga Geological Service warns toxic seawater around volcano may poison fish

"The discoloration of the sea shows a significant discharge of volcanic fluids (steam, condensates laden with chemical elements) into the sea and contaminating the seawater.

It is advised to assume fish in these waters are poisoned or poisonous if consumed," Tonga Geological Services told Matangi Tonga.

Volcanic activity has decreased significantly since the explosive eruption of December 20, 2021, when gaseous emissions, including acidic dust and ash, reached altitudes of 3-16km.

Ash cloud from Tongan volcanic eruption continues to spread

The head of Tonga Geological Services, Taaniela Kula, said that the ash cloud had risen to heights of 12km and the direction of ash had varied with the wind conditions.

"On Tuesday, ash was drifting east but shifted directions last night to north east and has continued to drift in a northerly direction today," he said.

Overall, the amount of ash, steam and gas being spewed from the volcano has reduced, in comparison to last week, Kula said.