The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano continues to erupt intermittently, the Tonga Geological Services said this morning, warning residents in Ha'apai to cover water reservoirs in case of acid rain that may be caused by volcanic emissions in the atmosphere.

Last night, powerful lightning bursts were seen from the cloud column emitted from the volcano.

In the early hours today, between 12:30am and 5:30am, volcanic ash mixed with clouds of mainly steam and gas from the eruption, was detected from 1 to 7km above sea level. Volcanic ash was also detected within 30km of the vent in all directions (see satellite images below).

The volcanic plume, consisting of steam and gas clouds, continue to form and are drifting generally Northward from the active area, at altitude 1-7km above sea level.

They said steam and gas can travel at higher elevation and is not expected to be noticeable at ground level.

Acid rain warning

TGS warned that if it rains, some traces of ash or acid rain could be experienced on the ground particularly in Ha’apai.

“Residents are urged to take precaution and cover water reservoirs at this time. If any abnormal activity occurs, residents can contact local authorities or call 7401-331,” TGS stated.

Flight from NZ cancelled

Meanwhile, the flight from New Zealand that was scheduled to arrive on Tuesday was cancelled due the volcanic activity at Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai.

The flight was meant to bring in the funeral cortege of the late Hon. Lord Ma’afu.

Tonga's Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Lord Ma’afu, died on 12 December at the Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand.

Air New Zealand’s flight to Tonga on 21 December was also cancelled due to the same volcanic activity.