Tonga: Further volcanic activity likely at Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Volcano as of Jan. 20 /update 6

Event

Further volcanic activity remains likely at the Hunga Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai Volcano as of Jan. 20. Officials have confirmed at least three fatalities on Tongatapu, Mango, and Nomuka islands; the death toll is likely to rise over the coming days. Due to communication disruptions, accurate damage and casualty reports remain unavailable, particularly outside of the capital, as of Jan. 20. Affected areas include Nuku'alofa's north-facing areas. Reports also indicate major damage in the Ha'apai islands due to tsunami waves of 5-10 meters (15-30 feet) reaching 500 meters (1,640 feet) inland. Additionally, the disaster destroyed nearly all houses on Mango and Fonoifua islands, with extensive damage on Nomuka Island; evacuations of the islands are underway. Authorities have declared a State of Emergency from 08:00 Jan. 16 to 08:00 Feb. 13.

Telecommunications, power, and internet services disruptions in Tonga have been ongoing since Jan. 15; restoration works are underway. Authorities have restored international calls via satellite, but the connection is reportedly limited and patchy. Reports also indicate damage to the only undersea communications cable connecting Tonga to the rest of the world via Fiji and the undersea cable connecting the islands in Tonga; repairs could take around four weeks.

Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU) did not sustain damage in the eruptions; however, volcanic ash covered the runway, hampering operations. Authorities have since cleared the volcanic ash, allowing aid flights to commence early Jan. 20. Officials confirmed no contact deliveries would occur as Tonga has recorded only one COVID-19 case throughout the pandemic, and authorities fear the virus spreading from foreigners.

Ash reportedly covers much of Tonga while also affecting Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. Ash has contaminated the freshwater supply in Tonga.

Additional eruptions could cause gas emission, seismic activity, ash clouds, and landslides in the surrounding area. Further significant eruptions could also cause additional tsunami events. Air, maritime, and ground travel disruptions are likely to persist for several days. Volcanic activity may also impact air quality in the surrounding area. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancers - may experience difficulty breathing and could suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion. Acid rain is possible over Tonga and nearby countries due to the high sulfur dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere.

The volcano is around 65 km (40 miles) north-northwest of Nuku'alofa on an uninhabited island. A major eruption occurred Jan. 15, destroying most of the island and triggering various tsunami warnings, advisories, and statements across the Pacific, including in Tonga; authorities have since lifted all warnings. Another major eruption reportedly occurred early Jan. 17; however, the event did not trigger any tsunami warnings.

Advice

Monitor local emergency broadcast channels. Charge essential electronic equipment when power is available. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Reconfirm all transport arrangements. Review contingency plans. Shelter in place. Ensure windows and doors are closed. Minimize exposure to the ash cloud. Carry masks or face coverings and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation if operating in the affected area.

Resources

National Emergency Management Office Facebook
Tonga Meteorological Service
Tonga Government Portal Facebook
US Tsunami Warning System