The aviation alert level for Tonga's Home Reef volcanic activity, increased to orange on October 5 and 6 as progressive volcanic activity continues into its 25^th day. 

There was one volcanic ash event on 6 October, with the last eruption recorded at 6:23 am – mostly steam events.

Tonga Geological Services (TGS) stated that the volcanic activity is ongoing with a total of eight volcanic eruptions in the 24 hours, compared to 15 eruptions in the prior 24-hours, therefore a total of twenty-three volcanic eruptions. 

The ash was detected up to 3km altitude within 5km south-east of home reef at 12:36am.

The Home Reef island has continued to grow, during 25 days of effusive lava flow eruption since Saturday 10 September, 2022.

It has total surface area of 15 acres, captured by satellite imagery at 12:59am on 5 October. The island has steep headlands on the eastern half and smoother slope on the western half. It was measured at 268m north-south and east-west, with a height of 15-18m above sea level. 

Meanwhile, the volcanic plume dispersed from the islands has decreased and thinned within 1km of the island, captured by Skysat Satellite on 29 September.

TGS advised the aviation community to look out and take caution when flying through this airspace.

“There is low risk to the Vava’u and Ha’apai communities. Hazard Zones for mariners to sail 4km away from Home Reef."