Tonga is a kingdom made up of 170 islands. The Polynesian country is situated in the south of the Pacific. It is surrounded by many other island nations like Fiji, Wallis, Futuna, Samoa, New Caledonia, Vanuatu & Niue
Volcanic activity was recorded last month around Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai island. The eruption that occurred on 14th January was evident and its shockwaves were felt across the Pacific.
The eruption caused waves of tsunamis that affected the whole of the south pacific. The kingdom of Tonga, the worst affected, was covered by a thick layer of volcanic ash.
Many satellites captured this nature’s event and imagery seems astonishing. The gas and plume from the eruption reached almost 20 KM up in the sky. A mushroom formation is seen in many of the satellite imagery.
Lightning was witnessed in the Hunga eruption plume from Kanokupolu Beach, Tongatapu.
Tonga lost its communication and there are no estimates about the losses yet. Neighboring countries like New Zealand & Australia are anxious and are keen to hear from the island nation.
