Hazard zone lifted but landing prohibited on Home Reef island [1]
Saturday, October 22, 2022 - 18:49. Updated on Saturday, October 22, 2022 - 18:53.
Landing on Tonga’s newest island at Home Reef is prohibited for public safety, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources said today, in lifting the hazard zones for mariners sailing in the area.
There has been no volcanic eruption detected in the last five days.
“Volcanic activity has ceased, with the last eruption recorded at 1:46 AM, 17 October, 2022,” Tonga Geological Services said
This is the 42nd day of watch over Home Reef, which started on Saturday 10 September, 2022.
The latest satellite imagery was captured on Thursday, 20 October at 12:59 PM, shows the little island that has been formed by volcanic eruptions.
The island was measured 268m North-South and 283m East-West with an approximate total surface area of 15 acres and an estimated height of 15m-18m above sea level.
TGS said that the island has steep headlands on the eastern half and smoother slope on the western half.
The volcanic plume dispersed from the island has decreased and thinned within 1km of the island.
“There are no risks to the Vava’u and Ha’apai Communities.
“The hazard zones are lifted for mariners sailing near Home Reef. However, landing on the newly formed island is prohibited for public safety.
Home Reef is located 25 km southwest of Late Island, 22 km northeast of Lateiki (Metis Shoal) and 75 km northwest of Mo’unga’one Island at Latitude & Longitude 18.992°S & 174.775°W, as shown on the following map.
TGS said this will be the last report on the Home Reef volcanic activities.