Continuing volcanic activity at the Home Reef in Tonga poses low risk to the Vava’u and Ha’apai Communities, Tonga Geological Services stated today, after recording five recent eruptions - two in the past 24 hours and three during the last two days.

Home Reef is located about 25km southwest of Late Island in the Vava'u Group.

As seen in the latest satellite imagery, captured on 14 October, 2023 at 12:59am, the volcanic island measured 424m North-South and 223m East-West, with an approximate total surface area of 17 acres and an estimated height of 15m-18m above sea level, they reported.

The island has steep headlands on the eastern half and smoother slope on the western half.

Although the volcanic activity poses low risk to the Vava’u and Ha’apai Communities, Tonga Geological Services advised mariners to stay clear and has issued a hazard map of the area.

“Mariners are still advised to sail 4km away from Home Reef until further notice.”

Home Reef is located 22km northeast of Lateiki (Metis Shoal) and 75km northwest of Mo’unga’one Island at Latitude and Longitude 18.992°S & 174.775°W.

Prior to this, eight volcanic eruptions were recorded on 10 October 2023, at 12:59 am, one at night and seven, 24 hours prior to that.

Home Reef has been active since October 2022 and volcanic activities have been infrequently detected by the Tonga Geological Services.

Eruption monitoring continues, and daily updates are being issued to report its current status.