A volcanic hazard alert issued by Tonga Geological Services tonight, warns all mariners to sail no closer than 4km from the Home Reef Volcano, which has exhibited ongoing volcanic activity this afternoon.

“In the last 24 hours Home Reef Volcano has exhibited ongoing volcanic activity with a total of seven volcanic thermal anomalies recorded in the last 24hrs (Figure 1), compared to three events in the prior 24 hours. The latest events were recorded at 1421 hours this afternoon, Monday June 17.

“A strong anomaly in the latest Sentinel - 2 satellite imagery (Figure 2) from 15 June 2024, suggests a new batch of magma rising in the volcano's feeder pipe. The advancing lava flow is enlarging the island to the east, and the volcano's shape appears to be more rounded now.

The volcanic activity poses low risk to the Vava’u and Ha’apai Communities. However all Mariners are advised to sail beyond 4km from Home Reef until further notice. A hazard map is attached (Figure 3) to guide all mariners sailing near Home Reef.

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 (Figure 4 - Location Map). Monitoring of the eruption is ongoing daily on the status of the eruption.

The alert was the first for this event, issued by the Volcano Watch Team Tonga Geological Services, Natural Resources Division Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources.