Residents of Nuku'alofa woke up to the spectacular sight of a sprouting white cloud of volcanic smoke or steam, which could be seen clearly on the northern horizon from the Nuku'alofa waterfront. Geologists estimate the underwater eruption is about 12 km away from the capital.
An underwater volcanic eruption in the vicinity of the twin islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai is sending up a huge column of white and grey smoke thousands of metres into the air that stood out against the bright blue sky. (from Matangi Tonga)