Another Large Eruption Near Tonga (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Another large-scale volcanic eruption has been observed near the South Pacific island nation of Tonga. This comes just two days after a massive underwater volcanic eruption on the 15th triggered a large tsunami.

AFP reported on the 17th, "The observatory in Darwin, Australia detected a large-scale explosion around 11:10 AM local time in Tonga on the 17th."

The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also detected large waves in the area. The center explained, "This may be due to another eruption of the Tonga volcano. There was no other significant earthquake that could have generated large waves."

No damage from this eruption has been reported yet.

On the 15th, the underwater Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcano, located 65 km north of the capital Nuku'alofa, erupted massively. The volcanic ash from the eruption flew as far as 260 km away.

Although the exact scale of casualties has not been confirmed, the International Federation of Red Cross estimates that up to 80,000 people have been affected.

Katie Greenwood, head of the Pacific delegation, told the BBC, "It is estimated that up to 80,000 people in Tonga have been affected by the volcanic eruption, tsunami, and flooding of homes," adding, "Communication with Tonga is not functioning normally. Humanitarian aid is urgently needed for the residents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.