A plume of ash, steam and gas has dispersed at a radius of 250km from the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai Volcano over Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Vava’u and Ha’apai group, Tonga Geological Services advised at 12:45pm today.

The volcano has erupted continuously since 4:20am this morning, raising the plume to altitude 5-20km above sea level.

Pilots from Lulutai Airlines reported this morning that ash was observed on the window of the aircraft at a height of 11000ft (3.5km).

Volcanic ash was also reported from the island of Fonoi in the Ha’apai Group and some islands may not be noticeable or visible in the air.

Tonga Geological Services said if anyone feels stingy on the eyes or irritation, these are signs of ash in the air.

If dark coloured particles are observed on outdoor surfaces at a large scale, it may also be a sign of ashfall.

People are advised to stay indoors and to protect their rainwater harvestings.

Reports of rise and fall of sea level from Mango Island were also observed on the coastal areas here in Tongatapu.

The public is advised to evacuate coastal areas and avoid going into the water, and to wear masks when commuting due to the smell of sulphur from the eruption.

Meanwhile, images from the Himawari-8 weather satellite show the volcanic eruption at Hunga starting between 4:20 and 4:30 am this morning, followed by an expanding white cloud of emissions over Tonga. At 5:50am it is over the Ha'apai Group.