Six volcanic eruptions were detected from active Home Reef volcano in the last 24 hours, and volcanic ash was observed by satellites, Tonga Geological Services reported today, advising the Aviation Community. “to maintain vigilance and take caution when flying near Home Reef airspace.”
The NZ air force KIW760 reported volcanic ash observed at approximately 10,000 ft high, at 2:51pm Tuesday.
An ash cloud was detected by the HIMAWARI satellite from 2:30pm to 3:30pm between 1km and 3km above sea level, and dispersed within 70km upwind from Home Reef Volcano. This detected ash cloud is corresponding to the KIW760’s report, TGS said in their public advisory no. 4.
Volcanic ash was reported this morning by the pilot of A3VUA at 11:50 am. “This ash cloud reaches a height of 1,000 ft but was not detected by the volcanic cloud monitoring tool.”
The volcanic activity poses low risk to the Vava’u and Ha’apai Communities, and all mariners are advised to stay beyond 4km from Home Reef until further notice.
A code yellow ACC for the Aviation Community is issued, which urges them to take caution near the area.
Eruption monitoring continues, and daily updates are being issued to report its current status. 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 & Longitude 18.992°S & 174. 775°W.
