Activity on Tofua volcano normal, says Tonga Geological Services [1]
Friday, May 19, 2023 - 21:04. Updated on Friday, May 19, 2023 - 21:44.
The activity on Tofua volcano in the Ha’apai Group remains normal at this time, Tonga’s Geological Services (TGS) stated today, after new documentary about the volcano's history sparked concerns among some social media users in Tonga this week.
“There is no alert or warning of any danger issued in regards to this volcano,” stated a press release issued by the TGS of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
They said Tofua volcano is at normal conditions with the magma lava exposed to the earth’s surface from inside the lofia volcanic cone. “This means that the lava has travelled 100km in depth from deep inside the oceanic crust but it will be another 100 years or more before the full magma builds up more gas and generates eruptive conditions.”
“Tofua Island is safe and there are farmers who live there. If there are any abnormal conditions or acitivities from the volcano, they can contact us and if there is any warning of any imminent danger, it will be issued from the Ministry. People also need to be aware that the only information that is true and correct about our volcanoes is that issued by our Ministry,” stated TGS.
Documentary
The statement was made in response to information shown in a documentary called 'Hidden Volcano Abyss: Behind Tonga’s Massive Eruption' that was released on Youtube on 10 May. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2R5IViBclQ [2]
The documentary was produced by the WGBH Educational Foundation and released by PBS | Nova and Lion Television Ltd. It reports on the eruption of Hunga Tonga - Hunga Ha'apai in January 2022 and the findings of an expedition by visiting scientists and the Tonga Geological Service to Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai, Fonuafo’ou and Tofua volcanoes in October 2022.
Volcanologist Shane Cronin comments in the documentary that Tofua has a magma chamber close to the surface.
The narrator says that Tofua had big eruptions 1200, 800 and 400 years ago. “The pattern suggests that Tofua should erupt again and soon.”
The scientists reported that the levels of sulphur dioxide had risen and that magma had welled up in the crater. “It looks as though Tofua is entering a new phase of activity,” said Shane.
Resilience
Chief TGS Geologist, Taaniela Kula, accompanied the expedition to the three volcanoes, and made the point that during the HTHH eruption Tongans had done the right thing at the right time and miraculously few lives were lost.
“I think knowledge will increase the resilience of Tonga and the world,” he said.
The documentary compiled some excellent drone video footage from the TGS of the December and January 14 eruptions of HTHH and their difficult expedition to Tofua.
It also documents local experiences on the day of the eruption, including the story of local fisherman Bronco Sugar and his crew who survived the HTHH tsunami, Moana Paea who escaped from Ha'atafu Beach and broadcaster Marian Kupu who surveyed the destruction.
Evidence of immense waves across the Hihifo peninsula during the event of 15 January 2022 is investigated.