Underwater volcano erupts near Tongan capital
Last Updated:
The Pacific nation of Tonga is waiting to see if it has a new island, after an underwater volcanic eruption forced a column of smoke and ash into the skies near the country's capital, Nuku'alofa.
The eruption began on Monday after an earth tremor and is still sending clouds of smoke, steam and ash up to 100 metres into the air.
Seismologists say the tremor was between the low-lying twin volcanic islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai, an area where around 36 undersea volcanoes are situated.
Kelepi Mafi from Tonga's Ministry of Lands says a marine survey will begin tomorrow to find out if if the island nation is about to get a new island.
"At the moment we have no idea what is going on around there, apart from the smoke that we observe from Nuku'alofa, so at this point in time we are not able to give you an exact description of what has happened," he says.
   |
   |
Features
News programs on Australia Network
News programs on Radio Australia
 
|
