Satellite monitoring confirms that Home Reef volcano in Tonga remains active nearly two months after its latest eruption began on December 17, 2025. The eruption has expanded the island’s surface area by nearly 8 ha (20 acres) as lava flows extended its margins east, south, northwest, and north.
The formation of 75 000 m2 (807 300 feet2) lava lobe has been observed at the Home Reef volcano between December 4 and 15, 2024.
A new eruption was observed at Home Reef submarine volcano in Tonga through satellite imagery acquired on December 7, 2024. This marks the second eruptive phase at Home Reef volcano this year.
Tonga Geological Services is reporting increased volcanic activity at Home Reef volcano, urging all mariners to stay away at least 4 km (2.4 miles) from the volcano.
Home Reef volcano re-emerged above sea level on September 9, 2022, prompting authorities in Tonga to issue a Hazard Alert to all marines to sail at least 5 km (3.1 miles) away from the volcano. The volcano is located midway between Metis Shoal and Late Island in the central Tonga islands. It was first reported active in the mid-19th century when an ephemeral island formed.
Home Reef submarine volcano in Tonga started erupting on September 9, 2022 and re-emerged above sea level. The activity at the volcano is fumarolic, releasing gas into the atmosphere up to 1 km (3 200 feet) above sea level. A Hazard Alert was issued to all marines to sail at least 5 km (3.1 miles) away from the volcano.
