A rapid geospatial analysis of the impact of the Hunga Tonga volcano eruption

Book excerpt: On the 15th January 2022 the underwater Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha?apai volcano, located in the north of Tongatapu (the main island of Tonga), erupted following several minor eruptions over the previous weeks. It was reported as the largest recorded eruption in the past 30 years. On 14 January 2022, the Tonga Geological Services issued an alert of the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcanic activity and a tsunami marine warning. The powerful eruption subsequently resulted in a tsunami in Tonga and the surrounding region, with effects reaching countries including Fiji, America Samoa and as far as Chile and Peru. With around 86 percent of Tongans engaged in agriculture, the impacts of the eruption and tsunami may have impacted all agriculture sectors, including fisheries, crops and livestock. The volcanic plume reached 30 km into the atmosphere, releasing volcanic gases and aerosols that were subsequently carried over neighbouring countries, potentially impacting public health and the environment. The Government of Tonga declared a state of emergency on 16 January 2022.