Submarine eruption at Lateiki (Metis Shoal), Tonga

Submarine eruption at Lateiki (Metis Shoal), Tonga

The Aviation Color Code for Lateiki volcano, previously known as Matis Shoal, was raised to Orange at 21:20 UTC on October 14, 2019, after several observations confirmed eruption in progress. Real Tonga pilots flying between Tongatapu and Vava'u observed the…

Metis Shoal volcano starts erupting, Aviation Color Code Orange, Tonga

Metis Shoal volcano starts erupting, Aviation Color Code Orange, Tonga

A white plume was observed rising up to 5 km (17 000 feet) above sea level over underwater Metis Shoal volcano, Tonga at 22:06 UTC on October 14, 2019. The last eruption of this volcano took place in 1995 (VEI 2). The Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange – the…

Underwater eruption near Fonualei Island, Tonga

Underwater eruption near Fonualei Island, Tonga

A new underwater eruption took place near Fonualei island in the Tonga archipelago on August 7, 2019. The eruption was first reported on August 7 when large clouds were observed 'on the horizon at the location of Fonualei volcano.' "The plume continued…

Shallow M6.1 earthquake hits off the coast of Tonga

Shallow M6.1 earthquake hits off the coast of Tonga

A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit off the coast of Tonga at 21:56 UTC on June 16, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 40 km (24.8 miles). This earthquake can have a low humanitarian…

March rainfall in Nukuʻalofa extremely above average, Tonga

March rainfall in Nukuʻalofa extremely above average, Tonga

Nukuʻalofa, capital of Tonga, received 451.11 mm (17.7 inches) of rain during the month of March, more than double the average for the month and the 4th highest rainfall on record for March. Enhanced rainfall continued across the country in March, except…

Strong M6.4 earthquake hits Tonga at intermediate depth

Strong M6.4 earthquake hits Tonga at intermediate depth

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit Tonga at 23:08 UTC on December 23, 2018 (12:28 LT, December 24). The agency is reporting a depth of 100.2 km (62 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.4 at a depth of 111 km (69 miles). This earthquake can have a low…

Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Tonga

Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Tonga

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit Tonga at 08:33 UTC (21:33 LT) on November 10, 2018. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 60 km (37 miles). According to the USGS, the epicenter…

Strong and shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Tonga

Strong and shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Tonga

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit Tonga at 12:00 UTC on October 18, 2017. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 46 km (28.6 miles). According to the USGS, the epicenter was located…

Strong and shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Tonga

Strong and shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Tonga

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Tonga at 14:04 UTC on October 8, 2017. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). GFZ is reporting M5.7 at the same depth. According to the USGS, the epicenter was located 154.3 km (95.9…