The height of steam and vapour emissons from Home Reef have increased in January, during an ongoing eruption. The Alert Colour Code (ACC) for the Aviation Community is now increased to ORANGE, due to the possibility of ash being emitted, the Tonga Geological Services Volcano Watch reported this week.

In a Public Notice No. 25 on volcanic activity at Home Reef Volcano issued on 28 January, TGS stated that the activity at Home Reef had continued since their last public notice issued on 1 January 2026. The main active vent had maintained the same location, with the vent area estimated to be 100m x 130m on 7 January on the WorldView-2 commercial satellite imagery.

“Volcanic activity remains ongoing, with volcanic gas, steam and vapor rising from the main vent since the eruption began in mid-December.

“Observations over the past week indicate an increase in the height of steam and vapor emissions, as reported by flight pilots and residents of Vava’u. Submarine sediment plumes can also be seen on the images in Figure 2. The latest imagery, updated 27 January, 2026 (TOT) in Figure 2, confirms that the island’s surface remains hot, evidenced by the red glow visible in the SWIR Images in Figure 3,” TGS stated.

They advised at this time, the volcanic activity poses a low risk to the Vava’u and Ha’apai communities.

However, all mariners are strongly advised to remain at least two (2) nautical miles away from Home Reef until further notice. A hazard map is attached to guide vessels operating near Home Reef (Figure 4).

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 5).

“Monitoring of Home Reef Volcano will continue in the coming weeks to ensure public safety, with ongoing assessments to track volcanic activity and evaluate potential hazards,” stated the Volcano Watch Team Tonga Geological Services, Natural Resources Division Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources.

Composite image above: Home Reef glowing. Short-wave Infrared (SWIR) Images, red glow indicates hot surface. Activity at the crater has progressed from 7 January 2026 (left) to 27 January 2026 (right). Changes on the topography of the island is notable on the north western coastline. Image: TGS