New Satellite Imagery Shows Aftermath of Volcanic Eruption and Tsunami in Tonga

3 年前

New satellite imagery captured the aftermath of a powerful volcanic eruption and resulting waves that rocked the Pacific nation of Tonga on January 15.

Officials across the Pacific issued tsunami alerts following the eruption of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai which also caused residents in Tonga to shelter from falling ash. The level of damage in the nation’s 36 inhabited islands has been difficult to gauge after communication lines were badly severed by the eruption.

This satellite imagery, released by Planet Labs PBC, was taken prior to the eruption on January 15, and then again in the same locations on January 17. The first set of images shows the village of Niutoua on the island of Tongatapu. The second set shows a peninsula on the northwest corner of the same island. Credit: Planet Labs PBC via Storyful