Satellite images of Tonga's Home Reef volcano, taken on 26 April, showed volcanic steam and discolorations around and from the volcano, the Tonga Geological Services reported today.

Imaging by the MIROVA satellite showed that thermal activities at Home Reef have continued at a moderate level within the past two weeks.

The NOAA-21 VIIRS also captured an image of ash emissions from Home Reef on 26 April, at around 2:00 pm (local time). This prompted the aviation warning from yellow to orange on the same day.

“The volcanic activity poses low risk to the Vava’u and Ha’apai communities. However, all mariners are advised to remain at least 2 nautical miles away from Home Reef until further notice,” stated the TGS volcano watch team.

Monitoring of Home Reef Volcano will continue in the coming reefs.

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 a Latitude and Longitude 18.992°S and 174.775°W.

Monitoring of Home Reef Volcano will continue in the coming weeks to ensure public safety with ongoing assessments to track the volcanic activity and evaluating potential hazards.