Continuing volcanic activity at the Home Reef in Tonga was spotted today by two pilots who reported seeing white clouds or steam emissions from the location rising to 10,000 feet.

The activity, spotted by Fiji Airways ATR72-600 at 4:30pm and a Lulutai Airlines Twin Otter captain at 6:00pm local time was reported to the tower at the Lupepau'u Airport in Vava'u  on Monday 19 January.

“White Cloud extends vertically up to10,000 feet and horizontally 20 - 30 nautical miles right of the direct route between Fua'amotu and Lupepau'u Airport,” the Twin Otter captain Tevita Ma'u had confirmed.

The location of the activity is within 45 nautical miles of the Lupepau'u Airport.

In a statement this evening the Ministry of Lands said the Tonga Geological Services is continuously monitoring the volcano.

Any significant changes will be communicated promptly to ensure public safety,” said Rennie J. Vaiomounga, Deputy CEO for Natural Resources Division.

“At this time, the volcanic activity poses a low risk to the communities of Vava’u and Ha’apai. However, all mariners are strongly advised to remain at least two (2) nautical miles away from Home Reef until further notice.

He said the status of Home Reef remained unchanged, since their last public notice no, 24 on 31 December, as volcanic activity has continued to develop since last year.

“During our site visit in November, observations confirmed that gas emissions were still occurring from the caldera, and the reef continues to build up, forming an island,” he said.

After a repeated thermal anomaly was detected on 18 December the volcano has been closely monitored.

Satellite imagery captured on 18 December (Figure 1) shows a smooth, dark surface measuring approximately 110 metres (west–east) and 160 metres (north–south), contained within the existing crater. The height of this surface within the crater could not be determined; however, the observations suggest that ponded lava is filling the crater, stated the report on 31 December.

“Volcanic activity has continued to develop. Satellite images from 23 December indicate the emergence of new lava flows, which further altered the appearance of the island.

“The most recent image, captured on 28 December (Figure 2), shows four (4) new lava flows radiating from the active vent. The size of the vent crater has yet to be determined following this recent activity.”

The Alert Colour Code (ACC) for the Aviation Community remains YELLOW, reflecting the absence of ash or explosive activity detected by the infrasound monitoring network.

Home Reef is located approximately 25 km southwest of Late Island, 22 km northeast of Lateiki (Metis Shoal), and 75 km northwest of Mo’unga’one Island, at Latitude 18.992°S and Longitude 174.775°W (Figure 4).