The ash dispersal poses a significant risk to aviation users and aircraft operations in the Pacific region, but it may contaminate waterways and rain water if does reach Samoa.
As a result of a volcanic eruption occurred within the Tongan Region, on Saturday at 5:26 pm (Samoa Local Time).
This is according to the MET office in its latest statement issued.
They also noted the Tsunami Advisory noting that it remains in effect for all of Samoa’s coastal area’s.
In its latest notice the NEOC says that due to the unpredictable nature of this event, the public is therefore advised to take extra precautions when attending coastal activities until further notice.
The next update will be issued at midnight.
The Samoa Meteorology office says the satellite loop indicated a the massive explosion of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption yesterday.
This panel is displaying a RGB satellite that identifies volcanic ash and SO2, and very clearly evident a significant layer of ash cloud introduced into the atmosphere and covering mainly Tonga and the eastern part of Fiji islands.
“The ash dispersal poses not only significant risk to aviation users and aircraft operations in the Pacific region it may contaminate waterways and rain water if does reach Sāmoa.
“However, at this stage there is low risk for Sāmoa.
“Although at this stage unsure of the longevity of eruptions the activities have gradually lessened over the past 12 hours.
Based on the latest volcanic ash forecast available at the VAAC Wellington, it is likely to remain between Fiji and Tonga particularly for the next 24 hours.”
