Planning to Visit Tonga?

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Undersea volcano erupts near Tonga

AP, March 19

Scientists sailed today to inspect an undersea volcano that has been erupting for days near Tonga — shooting smoke, steam and ash thousands of feet into the sky above the South Pacific ocean.

Authorities said the eruption does not pose any danger to islanders at this stage, and there have been no reports of fish or other animals being affected.

Spectacular columns are spewing out of the sea about 6 miles from the south-west coast off the main island of Tongatapu — an area where up to 36 undersea volcanoes are clustered, geologists said.

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