Hidden Volcano Abyss

In January 2022, one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recorded history rocked the islands of Tonga. Join scientists as they investigate what caused the blast, how it spurred a devastating tsunami, and if another eruption could be imminent.

At 5:15pm on January 15, 2022, satellites recorded the volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai blast a cloud of ash and rocks into the atmosphere. Within minutes, tsunami waves crashed into the South Pacific nation of Tonga. These are the stories of some of the survivors.

The volcano that produced one the most powerful eruptions in history has a twin, and it’s more active than scientists thought.

On January 15, 2022, an underwater volcano erupted off the shores of the Pacific islands of Tonga—the most explosive event ever recorded on Earth. The blast triggered a massive tsunami with waves over 60 feet high. Here's how it happened.