The Home Reef volcano has shown a slight increase in thermal anomalies to a moderate stage, Tonga Geological Services reported today, 26 June.

There were 6 thermal anomalies detected by VOLCAT from Home Reef volcano.

"The most recent was at 2:21 am this morning (figure 1)," TGS stated.

“The latest imagery from the MODIS-MIROVA indicates a slight increase in the thermal anomaly to a moderate stage, as evidence by the increase in Volcanic Radiative Power (VRP) value to 18 MW (figure 2)."

The volcanic activity poses a low risk to the Vava’u and Ha’apai Communities, while a hazard warning remains in force for mariners in the area.

"All Mariners are advised to sail beyond 4 km from Home Reef until further notice. The public is at this moment advised to adhere to these restrictions for safety purposes," stated TGS.

Monitoring of the volcano is ongoing daily on the status of the eruption.

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 and Longitude 18.992°S & 174.775°W .