Samoa Meteorological Services is closely monitoring ash plume from the volcanic eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai in Tonga.
The Met Services said the volcanic eruption continues, and its activities slightly diminished in the past 6 hours.
“However, the ash plume has become widespread over Tonga and eastern Fiji but could potentially reach the south of Samoa in the upper levels of the atmosphere.”
“Based on the latest report from VAAC Wellington there is a chance that some ash may linger within our area from this time onwards.”
Hence risk for Samoa is elevated from LOW to MODERATE.
“At this stage, the direct impacts for Samoa from the ash remain ambiguous but the ash would primarily exist at higher altitudes.”
“The European model (via Windy) indicates that the extent and availability of sulfur dioxide (SO2) concentration within our area will fade over the next day.”
The Met Services will closely monitor the situation and advise accordingly
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