On January 10, a detrimental volcanic eruption occurred in Tonga. According to NASA, the eruption was more powerful than the Hiroshima nuclear explosion. Unfortunately, all of the new land that had been rebuilt now costs millions to rebuild, and four previously existing islands were wiped out. Moreover, the eruption caused ruinous tsunami waves which spread across the U.S Pacific Coast; “the emission could even be heard from Alaska,”reported BBC. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Chief, James Garvin, clarifies, “This is a preliminary estimate, but we think the amount of energy released by the eruption was equivalent to somewhere between 4 to 18 megatons of TNT.” He also explicated, “That number is based on how much was removed, how resistant the rock was, and how high the eruption cloud was blown into the atmosphere at a range of velocities.”

 Furthermore, the volcanic eruption was an unparalleled disaster for the islands. Fortunately, the islands are mainly uninhabited, but the islands that are populated faced heavy destruction. Three people died due to the eruption. In addition, the environment was damaged with numerous animals dying and coral reefs around the atolls covered in ash. Not only did the explosion damage the environment, but it was also the loudest natural event in the past twenty years.The surrounding area, even Antarctica, recorded the low-frequency boom which travelved through the atmosphere. 

Tonga officials face a massive challenge of rermoving the volcanic ash.  The problem is compounded by the resulting pervasive gases in the air. A silver lining is that the water sources were not polluted and have been deemed potable. Luckily, locals and animals will not have to worry about drinking contaminated  water or the concomitant  health issues. Over time, the environment will heal itself as long as climate change does not interfere in the process by rising temperatures that would slow the process down. However, all locals who are nearby have evacuated because of the posed public health risk of volcanic ash that pollutes the lungs, and affects the cardiovascular system. In essence, even though the volcano eruption was perniciousl to all, the damage will subside in time.