March 16th, 2009

Officials in Tonga are heading to the site of an underwater eruption to determine what impact it will have on the Pacific nation's environment.

The underwater volcano erupted three days ago off the coast of the country's capital.

This morning a survey team is expected to arrive on site, where the eruption is happening.

It is located a day's travel by boat from Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa, but the clouds of smoke, steam and ash it is sending up to 100 metres into the air, means it is clearly visible from the capital.

Kelepi Mafi from the Ministry of Lands in Tonga says the area is still unsafe.

"It's not advisable for any of the fishermen to go around in that area," he said.

The underwater eruption began on Monday after a major earth tremor.

It is still not known if it will result in a new land mass in Tonga's territory.