On the ground
We will aim to keep you updated with latest news and images as communications improve.
Background:
A large eruption occurred in the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano in Tonga on the evening of 15 January. The eruption lasted about 8 minutes and emitted a 5km wide plume of ash, steam and gas 20km above the volcano. Tsunami warnings were initially issued for Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, and also New Zealand and Australia.
The volcano is located about 64 kilometres north of Nuku’alofa, which is on the main island of Tongatapu (74,611 people). Significant thunderstorms and lightening were experienced after the eruption.
As a result of the eruption, a tsunami wave of 1.2 metres (about 4 feet) hit the coastline of Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, causing damage to buildings and infrastructure. Large areas of Tonga have been covered with 2 to 10cm of ash fall.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Tonga
National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
