Results for Tonga

A plume of ash, steam and gas has dispersed at a radius of 250km from the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai Volcano over Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Vava’u and Ha’apai group, Tonga Geological Services advised at 12:45pm today.

A national tsunami marine warning issued at 11:12am today, Fri. January 14, warns Tongans to stay away from coastal areas, after swirling abnormal tides drew crowds to the Nuku'alofa waterfront in the last hour. Tonga Geological Services stated that a volcanic eruption is forecasted to be imminent with significant emission of ash into the atmosphere likely, following new activity observed at the Hunga volcano 65km off Nuku'alofa this morning. Tonga Police are currently patrolling the seafront Vuna Road in the capital and using loud speakers to ask people to move away to higher ground.

A donation of over 200 computers and eight farm tractors from China’s Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, was handed over to the Tongan Government at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre in Nuku’alofa this afternoon.

Three months after a Tongan fisheries observer, Arnold Latu (37), was found dead on the fishing vessel Hsinlong I, in Tongan waters, on 27 September 2021, his mother today finally received the autopsy report that may help to bring some closure to the family who were puzzled by his death.

Geologists consider that the eruption at Hunga volcano has died down, after observations yesterday, showed no signs of the volcanic plume for over 36 hours. Meanwhile, dark pumice floats have washed up on Tongatapu's north western beaches.

Changes to requirements for incoming passengers to Tonga will be considered on Friday, ahead of the next repatriation flights to Tonga that were scheduled for January 18 and 20. MEIDECC CEO Paula Ma’u told Matangi Tonga today that recommendations are being prepared for the new Cabinet, including changes to the protocols for repatriations.

King Tupou VI, Queen Nanasipau'u and members of the Royal Family attended the traditional funeral with military honours for the Rt. Hon. Col., Lord Ma‘afu Tukui'aulahi this morning, at the Huelo ‘o Hangai Tomb, Tokomololo in Tongatapu. Hundreds of people attended the burial ceremony and outdoor service. Photos by Pesi Fonua, Eleanor Gee and Peter Poulsen.

The funeral programme for the late Lord Ma’afu, is proceeding in Tonga after an Air New Zealand cargo flight landed at Fua'amotu Airport this afternoon, repatriating his remains from New Zealand. Mourners wearing funeral mats, lined the roadside at the estate of Vaini. Photos by Pesi Fonua and Eleanor Gee.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano continues to erupt intermittently, the Tonga Geological Services said this morning, warning residents in Ha'apai to cover water reservoirs in case of acid rain that may be caused by volcanic emissions in the atmosphere.