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First images of new volcanic island formed off Tonga

Hunga Tonga
View of the new island formed from the Hunga Tonga Volcano.

In December of 2014 the Hunga Tonga volcano erupted off the coast of Tonga. It formed a new island approximately one mile long and twenty-eight miles northwest of Tonga’s capital. This past week some adventurous locals visited the new island and captured some images, against the warnings of experts.

Tongan hotel owner, Gianpiero Orbassano, and some friends described the surface of the island to be hot to the touch.

Hunga Tonga
A sulphuric lake inside of the crater that formed post eruption

The island is expected to erode back into the sea in the coming months.

Hunga Tonga
View from on the island. Visits to the island are not recommended at this time.

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