Recent eruption ejects rocks and forms crater on Home Reef

A recent eruption at the Home Reef Volcano has produced a significant crater along with large rocks ejected, observed in satellite images taken of the remote island on 8 and 20 February. An ash plume is rising near the vent. Tonga Geological Services Volcano Watch Team warned mariners to stay at least 2 nautical miles away from Home Reef until further notice. Meanwhile, “the volcanic activity poses low risk to the Vava'u and Ha'apai communities,” they stated in a public notice issued at 8:30pm today, 21 February.