Tongans warned of acid rain after volcanic eruption
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Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano erupted on Monday, possibly causing acid rain on Tuesday, which could put the people of Tonga in danger.
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No injuries have been reported as a result of the volcano eruption in Tonga.
Emergency services have warned that a toxic cloud rising from a volcano in Tonga might cause acid rain across the Pacific kingdom, potentially polluting drinking water and harming people's skin and eyes.
The remote Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano erupted Monday, sending plumes 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the air, Tonga Geological Services (TGS) reported.
Although no injuries have been reported as a result of the eruption, TGS warned on Tuesday that the dust and gas could cause acidic rain if mixed with water in the atmosphere.
Residents were advised to disconnect guttering systems from rainwater storage systems until the all-clear is given.
"Symptoms of exposure to acid rain are itchiness and skin irritation, blurry and discoloration of vision if exposed to the eye," it said.
"If eyes or skin are exposed to acidic rain, please see a medical doctor or physician for appropriate treatment."
The volcano is located on an uninhabited island 65 kilometers (41 miles) north of Nuku'alofa, Tongan capital.
It last came to life in 2015, creating a new island structure on its caldera.
Following the eruption, an aviation code red was issued, warning airlines to avoid the area, causing Air New Zealand to cancel a trip from Auckland to Nuku'alofa on Tuesday.
